Mngqithi And Zwane give Cardoso Kudos For PSL Coach Gong
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi and AmaZulu’s Arthur Zwane have both agreed that the Coach of the Season award should go to Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso.
Ironically, Cardoso replaced Mngqithi at Sundowns in December after the KwaZulu-Natal-born coach experienced a slow start to the season, compounded by a shocking Carling Knockout Cup loss to Magesi in November.
However, Mngqithi has since found his footing with Arrows, the club he is now coaching for the third time in his career, successfully saving them from relegation after their victory over Sekhukhune United at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday.
Cardoso, meanwhile, has masterminded Sundowns’ league title win and guided the African giants to the CAF Champions League final. They drew 1-1 in the first-leg final with Pyramids at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
“I think for me, I will give it to Cardoso, because his team has been strong,” said Mngqithi, who shared the PSL Coach of the Season award with Rulani Mokwena in the 2021/22 season when he was with Sundowns. “I think they have lost fewer matches, conceded fewer goals, and scored more than any other team. If you don’t give it to him, then who?”
Zwane, after AmaZulu’s 1-1 draw with second-placed Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, also stated that the Portuguese coach deserves to win the PSL Coach of the Season award.
“I think the Mamelodi Sundowns coach, 70% of the season belongs to him, it’s as simple as that – if you win the league, you win Coach of the Season,” he added. “That means you’ve done enough. If Sundowns win the league with so many points, you should give credit to the Mamelodi Sundowns technical team, the head coach as well, and all the players.”
By virtue of winning the league title, Cardoso is the heavy favorite to win the individual accolade, having already secured the Coach of the Month award twice this season, in November/December and February, respectively.
However, due to Sundowns’ participation in both the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the Champions League final, the League took the decision to postpone this season’s PSL Awards Ceremony.
“The PSL, its Member Clubs, and all stakeholders in professional football across the country are united in their support for Mamelodi Sundowns as they fly the flag for South African football at these prestigious events. The League will communicate the new date and further details of the Awards Ceremony in due course,” the PSL stated recently.
