‘No Ashes For Sundowns’: Cardoso Reacts To Historic Champions League Triumph
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso compared their CAF Champions League triumph to rising from the ashes after Chloorkop’s finest defied the doubters to claim continental glory.
Sundowns became the first South African side to win the Champions League twice, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory over FAR Rabat after a grueling 1-1 draw in Sunday’s second-leg final at a deafening Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
Masandawana entered the second leg holding a slender 1-0 advantage from last weekend’s clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. By surviving the cauldron in Morocco, Sundowns ended a ten-year continental drought, finally exorcising the ghosts of last season’s heartbreaking final loss.
Breaking the Continental Curse
The atmospheric venue, which hosted the Africa Cup of Nations final in January, proved to be third time lucky for Cardoso. The tactician had tasted bitter defeat in his previous two Champions League final appearances, but this victory firmly cemented his legacy.
With this triumph, Sundowns officially add a second star to their crest. It is their first continental crown since legendary coach Pitso Mosimane guided the club to its maiden title back in 2016.
The victory also provided an immediate antidote to domestic heartbreak. Just 24 hours prior on Saturday, Sundowns dramatically lost the Betway Premiership title to rivals Orlando Pirates. However, conquering Africa cushions that blow with a massive $6 million prize purse. Furthermore, the victory books Sundowns a spot in later this year’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup and guarantees qualification for the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
“There Are No Ashes for Mamelodi Sundowns”
“This trophy doesn’t change the way people love me,” Cardoso told SuperSport TV.
“They will continue to love me — those who believe in me, those who kept pushing us. I dedicate this trophy to them.
“My players have worked incredibly hard, and all the credit belongs to them. Praise goes to them for their belief, commitment and the energy they showed today.
“Congratulations to our fans here at the stadium and to those who always follow us. It has been a difficult season for us and for me, but we rose when people thought we were finished.
“There are no ashes for Mamelodi Sundowns.”
