Miguel Cardoso: Proud of Sundowns’ Effort Despite Club World Cup Exit
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes his team can return home with pride after concluding their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States. Despite bowing out at the group stage, the Brazilians secured four points from three matches, showcasing their quality on the global stage.
The Pretoria-based outfit held Brazilian giants Fluminense to a goalless draw in their final Group F fixture in Miami, following a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund and a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD from South Korea. Although they finished third and failed to progress, Cardoso insists the club exits the tournament with more than just statistics.
Miguel Cardoso: “We Showed We Belong”
“Some clubs left this tournament empty-handed,” said Cardoso. “But we walk away with four points, only one defeat, and a draw where we had the best chances. That’s a big statement.”
The coach encouraged sceptics to study their opponents – Fluminense, Dortmund and Ulsan – in order to fully appreciate the scale of Sundowns’ performances against some of world football’s elite. “These were top-tier teams, and we held our own,” he emphasised.
Global Recognition Earned
Miguel Cardoso was adamant that Sundowns’ campaign has elevated the club’s stature internationally. “We didn’t advance, but we earned respect. We’ve put our players and our club on the map,” he explained. “People might find our name unusual, but they’ll remember the football we played – the emotion, the courage, the ambition.”
The Sundowns mentor acknowledged that the squad had clear ambitions of qualifying from the group but stressed that their pride was intact.
“We gave people exciting football. Although we might not be celebrating qualification, we’re celebrating growth. We leave stronger than we arrived.”
Context of a Tough Season
The Brazilians entered the tournament off the back of a tough CAF Champions League campaign, where they were narrowly defeated in the final by Egyptian club Pyramids FC. Still, their spot in this revamped global competition was secured thanks to a stellar four-year run in continental football.
“In the eight months I’ve been with Sundowns, it’s been extraordinary,” said Cardoso. “We retained our domestic title – our eighth in a row – and reached our first Champions League final since 2016. That’s no small feat.”
Pushing Boundaries and Breaking Records
Miguel Cardoso expressed immense pride in how far the team has come, especially in a tournament packed with international heavyweights. “These global events are unpredictable – you can play well and still go home with nothing,” he reflected. “But we didn’t leave empty-handed. We leave with experience, with recognition, and most importantly, with dignity.”
Sundowns’ campaign may have ended earlier than hoped, but their performances were anything but disappointing. Cardoso remains convinced that this journey has laid the foundation for even greater success in the near future.
Heads Held High, Eyes on the Future
“Our goal was to go further, of course,” he concluded. “But if you ask whether we’ll sleep peacefully tonight? Absolutely. We did our job and showed the world what Mamelodi Sundowns are all about.”
While the journey ends in the United States, the impact of Sundowns’ presence on the world stage will undoubtedly ripple far beyond the pitch – a moment of pride not just for the club, but for football in our country.
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