Mamelodi Sundowns boast some of Africa's best players - Miguel Cardoso | OneFootball

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Cardoso on strength of Downs squad

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackPagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says his team has some of the finest footballers on the African continent.

This comes after the Tshwane giants put on a masterclass at the Morupule Charity Spectacular, a four-team tournament in Botswana last Friday.

Cardoso’s charges swept aside Sua Flamingoes 3-0 in the semi-finals before hammering Morupule Wanderers 6-0 to clinch the championship in emphatic style.

Asked about the standard of football in Botswana, the Portuguese tactician insisted it would be unfair to compare Downs to teams in the semi-professional Botswana top-flight, given that his squad features some of the continent’s elite players.

“It's important to understand that this Mamelodi Sundowns team has some of the best players on the continent. So, we shouldn’t compare the value of this team. I can tell you, for example, in pre-season we played against a team from Botswana and it wasn’t that easy,” Cardoso stated.

Nevertheless, Cardoso believes Botswana’s football scene has tremendous potential, urging stakeholders to invest more in youth development and coach education to build a brighter future for the game.

“So, I think there were two different approaches in the matches. In the first game, we faced a team that tried to keep things tight, building from the back, defending more. In the final, the team was more aggressive, pressing high up the pitch,” he added.

“But they left us a lot of space in behind, and we are extremely dangerous when given that opportunity. Still, massive respect for what we saw—both teams gave their all. Football is definitely developing in this country.

“And it’s vital to work at the grassroots, nurturing young talent so they can make their mark in future, and also investing in the education of coaches. I don’t have much deeper knowledge of football in the country, so I can’t say more. But I saw fair play and some promising signs on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, after a below-par opening round in the 2025/26 campaign, Sundowns are set to return to action in a Betway Premiership clash against Orbit College on 20 January 2026.