“My family Was Surprised”: Portuguese Star Opens Up On Sundowns Move And CCL Final Dream
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Nuno Santos says reaching the CAF Champions League final in his first season with the Brazilians has already made his move to South Africa worthwhile, as the club prepares for a massive showdown against Moroccan giants AS FAR.
Sundowns will host AS FAR in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday before travelling to Morocco for the decisive second leg next week.
The Portuguese midfielder joined Sundowns in September 2025 from Vitória SC on a two-year deal and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most influential players in continental football.
The 27-year-old has played a key role in Sundowns’ run to the final, scoring three goals and providing five assists in nine CAF Champions League matches this season. His creativity, composure and attacking quality have helped Miguel Cardoso’s side navigate a difficult campaign against some of the continent’s strongest teams.
Speaking ahead of the biggest match of his African career, Santos admitted that reaching the final in his debut season has been a special achievement.
“It feels very good to be in the final of the Champions League in my first season,” he said.
“I think that was one of the main reasons I came to Mamelodi Sundowns — to win the Champions League. So, it is very special for me to be here.
“The competition is good and very competitive. I think we have played in four or five countries, and every game is different depending on the style of play.
“But at the same time, it is a competition that is very good for the players, and hopefully we can win it this year.”
The midfielder also revealed how his family initially reacted to his move to South Africa, while expressing his happiness with life at Sundowns.
“As long as I’m happy, they are also happy back home. Obviously, at the beginning it was a surprise for them when I decided to come to South Africa,” he added.
“I’m very happy here, and I think the competitive side of my time here, as well as the matches we’ve played — especially the way I’ve adapted to the league and the Champions League — has helped me a lot.
“My girlfriend is here with me in South Africa, so she also makes me happy. As long as I’m okay, then everyone back home is happy for me.”
With Sundowns now just two matches away from continental glory, Santos will be hoping his impressive debut campaign ends with the club lifting Africa’s biggest club trophy for the first time in nearly a decade.
Should Sundowns win the competition, they will qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup later this year.
