Mamelodi Sundowns newly appointed coach Miguel Cardoso has hit the ground running, providing a detailed and extensive elucidation of the tactical and mental philosophy he intends to implement at his new club. 

The Brazilians announced the unprecedented developments in the club’s coaching structures. Chairman, Thlopie Motsepe and club Sporting Director, Flemming Burg officially announced the sacking of Manqoba Mngithi while unveiling his successor  Cardoso in the same breath. 

The two Downs officials were accompanied by the Portuguese tactician, who was also granted an opportunity to participate in the discourse with the press in Chloorkop. 

Cardoso is no stranger to African football, having replaced Mngqithi in the Downs hot seat fresh from a 10-month spell at Moroccan club, Esperance De Tunis, who were responsible for Downs’s exit in last season’s CAF Champions League semi-final.

Speaking on his knowledge of Sundowns, the coach reflected by saying, “Obviously, I knew already the team. We had to study it very deeply last year to face the two games of the semifinal of the Champions League. Only with that deep study were we able to overcome the difficulties that we had and that is part of the job of a coach, to be updated on the best teams in Africa.” 

The former Celta Vigo manager explained that the application of his coaching philosophy would begin with an assessment of the players at his disposal, which he alluded to having started doing and further shared his impressions. 

“So, we had to study the team, the players and it is clear that the players we have as they are technically well developed, they suit the play of the coach that wants to impose himself on the games. Because that is the base, to have quality players,” explained Cardoso.

With regards to playing style, the Portuguese rather expressed a tune that could somewhat be pleasing and familiar to some Masandawana faithful as he put a great emphasis on the purpose of ball movement, a potential revisit of coach Rulani Mokwena’s playing style. 

“That is what I want, I want a team that can control the games and to control the games it means to be solid in all four moments of the game. Must understand very well what to do with the ball obviously, but as I have in mind you have to have the ball to move not the ball but the opponent to find the right spaces to attack,” uttered the 52-year-old.

In a further lay down of his expectations, the former Esperance tactician mentioned the significance of togetherness in achieving his on-field objectives, stressing that he intends to lead a cast with no main characters.

“We need to be strong in rest defense and we need to be good at reorganizing ourselves, and that is also solidarity and commitment because there will be no player more important than the team with me, believe it, no one,” emphasized the new Downs gaffer. 

The Pretoria club opens this new chapter high in expectations having let go of a coach who had only played 19 games in all competitions, winning 13, losing four, and registering two draws. Therefore if records are anything to go by, the new man on the wheel has tiny room for error.