Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has been in South Africa for over three months now and has had the opportunity to experience the country’s football culture firsthand.
Cardoso who hails from Portugal was appointed as the head coach of the Pretoria-based club in December last year and has been working tirelessly to ensure that his team is well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the Absa Premiership.
In a recent interview the coach shared his thoughts on South African football and what he has learned so far about the beautiful game in Mzansi.
“I have been impressed by the passion and dedication of the South African football fans” Cardoso said.
“The game is deeply rooted in the culture of the country and the fans are always eager to support their teams with enthusiasm and energy.”
Cardoso also praised the talent and skill of the local players saying that they have the potential to compete with the best in the world.
“The players here are very talented and have a lot to offer” he said.
“With the right guidance and training I am confident that they can reach great heights and make a name for themselves in the international football scene.”
However Cardoso also noted that there are some challenges that need to be addressed in order to take South African football to the next level.
“One of the main challenges is the lack of investment in the development of young players” he said.
“There is a lot of talent in the country but it needs to be nurtured and developed in order to reach its full potential.”
Cardoso also emphasized the importance of improving the infrastructure and facilities in the country in order to provide players with the best possible conditions to train and compete.
“The infrastructure and facilities are crucial for the development of the game” he said.
“We need to invest in building modern stadiums and training facilities that can provide players with the best possible conditions to train and compete.”
Despite the challenges Cardoso is optimistic about the future of South African football and believes that with the right approach and investment the country can produce teams that can compete with the best in the world.
“I am excited about the prospect of working with the talented players and coaches in the country” he said.
“Together we can achieve great things and take South African football to new heights.”