While most of the plaudits have been centred on Miguel Cardoso as he led Mamelodi Sundowns to their eighth league title in a row, the club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has revealed how the Brazilians were able to dominate again this season.
On Sunday, Sundowns were officially awarded their Betway Premiership title after their 2-0 win over Magesi at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, in Pretoria.
It was their last game of the league season, and they had already clinched the title last week. In fact, they could probably have secured the trophy a fair bit sooner if second-placed Orlando Pirates had not had three games in hand.
Pirates are on 56 points, while Sundowns ended on 73.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Strategic Transition After Rulani Mokwena’s Departure
When Rulani Mokwena left Sundowns at the end of the previous season, there were big boots to fill and it took some masterful planning from management to keep the team firing on all cylinders.
“We played against him [Cardoso] in the Champions League last year in the semi-finals, and he has a very good way of how he has motivated the players,” he said on SABC as reported by iDiski Times.
“When we had to make the change, it was difficult because we had some coaches who were part of our DNA for a very long time.
“And I think I must take this moment – this is Cardoso’s day, this is Mamelodi Sundowns’ day, but I must just take a moment to say thank you to coach Wendell [Robinson], coach Manqoba Mngqithi as well and the team that was around them.”
The long-term planning for this season, however, was crucial, revealed Motsepe.
“Because we are able to have a team right now that’s performing at this level, that has reached this peak in performance, because when he started the season, he was rotating the team, because we knew it was going to be a long season ahead and we had a lot to compete for.
“Again, it’s coach Miguel’s moment and we’re so proud of what he’s done. When he came, he wanted to connect with the culture, he was so fascinated by the country, and he rewarded the fans with this trophy in his first season.”
@Michael_Sherman
Sport
