“Nothing Takes The Star Out”: Cardoso Fires Back at Critics
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has reflected on the 2025/26 season, admitting that the team could have achieved more in terms of results.
The newly crowned 2026 CAF Champions League winners endured a disappointing domestic campaign, missing out on all major local trophies. They also failed to secure what would have been a record-extending ninth consecutive Betway Premiership title.
Despite their domestic setbacks, Sundowns fulfilled one of the club’s long-term ambitions by winning the CAF Champions League, a trophy they had been chasing for the past decade.
While some may view the continental triumph as proof of a successful season, Cardoso believes there was still room for improvement.
“I think we could’ve done more in terms of results,” Cardoso said on the Sundowns podcast.
“When you look back at the season, we have to understand that we had difficult moments. But I would like to remind everybody that we lost two competitions on penalties. The first two cups we lost were decided on penalties, and when we lose on penalties, as much as we feel the same pain, we have to accept it because pain makes you move forward.
“Our championship campaign — I don’t want to go deeper into that because we know what happened throughout the season and how we were attacked. Then we played seven matches in 21 days, which was dramatic and extremely difficult. During that period, we lost players who could have helped us stay in the championship race.”
“But it’s also important to look at the bright side. I think it’s one championship where we broke record after record last season. The league records are almost all in our hands, and our names are there. We have to be grateful for what God has given us and for finishing with the achievement that everybody had pursued for 10 years. I knew that was the main objective when I came to the club.”
“It is the feeling that we achieved something important. I don’t know if it was Mudau who said it, but as much as a championship can be won, nothing can take the star off your shirt. The logos can change, but the stars will always be there.
“One has the name of Pitso Mosimane on it, and another will have Miguel Cardoso as the coach, alongside the names of the players, the staff, and everyone who was part of this achievement.”
