Mamelodi Sundowns’ recent coaching carousel saw the abrupt exits of Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi, leaving fans questioning the club’s long-term vision. Now, Sporting Director Flemming Berg has revealed why Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso became their surprise choice – and it all comes down to fixing what went wrong before.
A Shift in Philosophy
While Mokwena and Mngqithi brought attacking flair, Sundowns’ hierarchy felt the team lacked defensive solidity in crucial moments. Berg admitted, “We’ve learned that balance is key. In big tournaments, structure wins games.” Cardoso, known for his disciplined backlines at Estoril and Nantes, fits their new blueprint.
Cardoso’s Tactical Pedigree
The 51-year-old isn’t just a defensive coach – he’s a UEFA Pro Licence holder who worked under José Mourinho’s mentorship. His data-driven approach and emphasis on compact defensive shapes convinced Sundowns’ technical team, especially after their CAF Champions League setbacks.
What This Means for Downs
- Fewer goals conceded? Cardoso’s teams average 0.8 goals against per game.
- Youth integration: His history of developing young defenders aligns with Sundowns’ transfer strategy.
- CAF ambitions: A tighter defense could be their missing piece in Africa.
Fan Reactions
While some supporters crave free-flowing football, others back the move: “We’ve had enough of outscoring opponents only to crash out of tournaments,” one fan tweeted.
Is Cardoso the right man for Sundowns’ new era? Or will his pragmatic style clash with the club’s attacking DNA? One thing’s clear – this isn’t just another hire; it’s a calculated gamble.
