Mamelodi Sundowns has officially hired their new coach, Miguel Cardoso, who has swiftly taken the opportunity to share his detailed tactical and mental strategies intended for the club’s future.

The Brazilians announced significant adjustments within the coaching structure of the club. Chairman Thlopie Motsepe and Sporting Director Flemming Burg publicly disclosed the departure of Manqoba Mngithi while simultaneously introducing Cardoso as his replacement.

Joined by the Portuguese coach, the two Downs executives engaged with the media at Chloorkop.

With experience in African football, Cardoso steps in for Mngqithi following a 10-month stint at Moroccan club Esperance De Tunis, which contributed to Downs’s exit in the previous season’s CAF Champions League semi-final.

Speaking about his familiarity with Sundowns, the coach said, “I was already well-acquainted with the team. We needed to analyze it thoroughly last year to gear up for the two semi-final matches in the Champions League. Only through that deep analysis were we able to tackle the challenges we encountered, which is essential for a coach—to remain knowledgeable about the top teams in Africa.”

The former Celta Vigo manager indicated that his coaching philosophy will begin with assessing the players at his disposal, a process he has already initiated, sharing some of his initial evaluations.

“We needed to conduct a thorough analysis of the team and its players, and it’s clear that our players are technically adept and fit the style of a coach looking to control matches. Having talented players is crucial,” Cardoso explained.

Regarding playing philosophy, Cardoso expressed ideas that may resonate well with some Masandawana fans, emphasizing the significance of purposeful ball movement—a potential reference to coach Rulani Mokwena’s prior tactics.

“That is my aim. I want a squad capable of dominating matches, and for that, we need to be strong in all four areas of the game. We must know how to use the ball effectively, but importantly, you need possession to maneuver not only the ball but also the opponent to identify the right opportunities for an attack,” the 52-year-old articulated.

Moreover, he highlighted the necessity of unity within the team to achieve his strategic goals, asserting that no single player will be prioritized over the collective under his leadership.

“We must excel at defensive recovery and be adept at reorganization. This demands solidarity and commitment, as no player will hold more importance than the team while I am at the helm—believe me, no one,” the new Downs coach asserted.

The Pretoria club sets forth into this new era with high aspirations after parting ways with a coach who oversaw only 19 matches across all competitions, achieving 13 wins, facing four defeats, and registering two draws. If previous results are indicative, the new head coach faces a narrow margin for error.