“I Live In Peace”: Cardoso Breaks Silence On Mosimane Rumors And Fan Pressure
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has broken his silence on the intense scrutiny surrounding his future, insisting he never doubted his position despite mounting pressure from the fans earlier this season.
Cardoso came under scrutiny during the CAF Champions League group stages, where Sundowns delivered unconvincing results, including draws away to MC Alger and at home against Al Hilal, as well as a loss away to Al Hilal.
With two matches remaining, Sundowns were also held by Congolese side St Eloi Lupopo, having to come from behind to salvage a result.
Ahead of that fixture, pressure on Cardoso intensified, with speculation linking former coach Pitso Mosimane — who led the club to Champions League glory in 2016 — to a possible return.
In their final group-stage match at home against Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger, Sundowns faced a must-win situation to qualify for the knockout stages. However, Brayan Leon scored twice to secure progression to the quarter-finals.
Sundowns went on to beat Malian side Stade Malien 3–0 at home in the first leg of the quarter-finals. They were, however, tested in the return leg, losing 2–0 and having Aubrey Modiba sent off. Despite this, they advanced 3–2 on aggregate.
Their momentum continued as Sundowns reached the final this past weekend, defeating Esperance 1–0 in the second leg to seal a 2–0 aggregate victory.
Leon proved decisive across both legs, scoring a header in the first match and converting a penalty in the second to help Sundowns reach the final for the second consecutive time.
With the pressure now eased, Cardoso insisted he never felt under threat.
“Those kinds of people don’t define my life. I draw energy from those who matter. You may say there were doubts about whether I would stay, but we always knew I would,” he said.
“Myself, my assistant, the club, management, and the players — we all knew I would stay. The people who wanted me here are the ones with the authority to make decisions.
“I don’t see this as an individual achievement, but as a collective success for the club and the players. It’s their work, their commitment at a high level — not mine. I simply try to guide and not complicate things.
“I live in peace — real peace. I’m 54, and I want to enjoy life. One day, life will end for everyone.
“I don’t depend on day-to-day results; I rely on what I have built over many years. My life is stable, and that allows me to enjoy it, which in turn helps me focus on my work.
“One day, the journey will end — hopefully far in the future. Until then, I will enjoy every moment. I live in a beautiful country with wonderful people.
“I love living here, my family loves it here, and I believe the people around us appreciate us. We try to create positive energy because that is also important for success.
“I have social media, but do I follow blogs? No, I don’t.”
Sundowns turn to domestic program as they face Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday. A win will see them reclaim the top spot from Orlando Pirates.
