Cardoso: It’s a big punch in our faces

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Cardoso: It’s a big punch in our faces

Oct 26, 2026 – 10:46 pm
By Thato Bosoga

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has insisted that the club’s response to their CAF Champions League elimination will define their character, as the Brazilians prepare to face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout round of 16 on Tuesday evening.

Sundowns return to action at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening following their continental disappointment, with questions inevitably surrounding Cardoso’s future after the club fell short of their Champions League ambitions.

However, the Portuguese tactician pointed to his record at the helm, including reaching two consecutive Champions League finals, while stressing that Sundowns still have plenty to fight for this season.

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“This is the club that has proposed itself for many years to win the Champions League and to compete every year to win the Champions League. In the last four years, two semi-finals, two finals, in the last two years, with me ahead of the team two finals in a row,” Cardoso told reporters at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

“This season we’ve played for two trophies, we’ve won two trophies. We’re leading the league in South Africa. It’s a big knockout this one. It’s a big punch in our faces, yes. But what will make us stronger is how we’re going to react, because there’s so many things to win.”

The former Esperance coach accepted collective responsibility for the setback, acknowledging that both the technical team and players must reflect on what went wrong.

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He further stated that Sundowns’ response, rather than their latest disappointment, would ultimately determine how they are judged.

“What is going to speak for Sundowns is the greatness that will come after this defeat,” Cardoso added, expressing confidence in the character of the group to move forward.

Tuesday’s encounter against Gallants presents Sundowns with an immediate opportunity to respond, although the Rustenburg-based side will pose a significant challenge, having eliminated the Tshwane giants from the same competition last season.

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