“I Don’t Work For Recognition!” Cardoso Delivers Raw Response To Sundowns Critics
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has insisted he is unbothered by a lack of external recognition from sections of the club’s fanbase, despite delivering the ultimate prize last season: the CAF Champions League title.
Cardoso stated that the desire for validation is long behind him. Reflecting on his career, the Portuguese strategist explained that while he fought for personal recognition as a young manager, his focus today centers on enjoying his craft, protecting his team, and honoring his family’s sacrifices.
Despite delivering both the 2024/25 league championship and Masandawana’s first CAF Champions League crown in ten years, Cardoso still comes under fire on social media regarding his tactical style.
However, the 54-year-old’s methods continue to yield silver—and he now turns his attention to the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on 10 October.
The Wafa Wafa Cup has eluded Sundowns in recent seasons, with Pirates winning four consecutive titles since Sundowns last lifted the trophy in 2021/22. Cardoso now aims to end the Buccaneers’ cup monopoly.
“Regarding the recognition, I don’t work for recognition at all,” Cardoso said when asked by Sportswire.
“That time for me is finished. When I was younger, I fought for recognition to be important. Now I just work for life, to enjoy. Believe me, I work to enjoy it a lot.
“Because I don’t enjoy my family as much as I would like, I have to enjoy my job.”
Cardoso shared a poignant story regarding the personal costs of managing a elite club:
“Yesterday night [on Saturday], my family was at the beach in Portugal. My son, my wife, my mum, my papa, my brother – my father just turned 83 years old,” he said.
“He went to take a bath in the ocean. They had to help him to go because the ocean was a little bit strong and I was not there. I just saw it in photos and videos that they filmed and sent to me.
“There is a lot I have already missed that has to do with life. That is the most important thing. For me, the job is a pleasure, a pleasure for my family who are there. My father was also a coach, a football player and a sportsman all his life.
“He will one day die watching his son fighting for the man he made.
“Recognition, I don’t take it personally. I just enjoy, enjoy, enjoy, and have my players get the credit they deserve for the work I do because I do it for them.”
Cardoso boasts an impressive record at Chloorkop, having managed 93 matches for Sundowns—winning 60, drawing 20, and suffering just 13 defeats.
