Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso praised the depth and quality of his squad, proclaiming they possess “some of the best players on the continent,” after securing the Morupule Charity Spectacular trophy in Botswana.
The Tshwane giants traveled across the border during their mid-season break and dominated the one-day tournament ahead of crucial CAF Champions League fixtures.
Off-Season Success and Targets Achieved
In the tournament, Sundowns demonstrated their firepower:
- Semi-Final: Defeated Sua Flamingoes 3-0.
- Final: Inspired by Iqraam Rayners, they registered a commanding 6-0 win against Morupule Wanderers.
Cardoso confirmed that the team achieved all objectives set for their visit to Francistown.
“I think that objective was accomplished. So the team represented the club very well; we were well received… I think the objectives that we had established for ourselves were all fulfilled,” he stated.
A key part of the mission was to integrate younger talent:
“We also wanted to give an opportunity to some of the youngsters from the Diski team to come and play with us, and I think that objective was accomplished.”
Praising Squad Quality and Local Hospitality
The former Esperance coach did not hold back when highlighting the strength of his team, linking it directly to their performance:
“It is important to understand that Sundowns have some of the best players on the continent.”
Cardoso also expressed deep gratitude for the reception the team received in Botswana:
“First of all, thank you very much for the way we were received, and I feel it was a great pleasure for us to have the chance to be here… The people of Botswana and the Mamelodi Sundowns fans we found in the city, and they received us very well.”
While respectful of the efforts of the local opposition, Cardoso noted that the opponents’ differing approaches in the two matches provided valuable preparation for his side.
