New Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has high hopes of being remembered as one of the success stories in South Africa, like Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena.
Cardoso was unveiled at a press conference held at Sundowns' headquarters at Chloorkop, replacing Manqoba Mngqithi, who was in the head coaching role for less than half-a-season.
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The Portuguese coach led Esperance to the CAF Champions League final last season, beating Sundowns in the semi-finals, so a lot will be expected from him.
Both Mosimane and Mokwena brought continental success to Sundowns. Mosimane lifted the Champions League title, as well as the CAF Super Cup, while Mokwena triumphed in last season's African Football League.
To be considered as one of the greats in future, Cardoso will no doubt need to deliver what Mosimane would often describe as "the big fish" - the major trophies. He is certainly up to the task, but it won't be a walk in the park, especially in an environment where success is measured on the trophies that go into the cabinet.
"It's really a pleasure to be here, to be the head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns. Obviously it's clear that Mamelodi Sundowns," Cardoso said at the press conference.
"I am entering a club with a huge identity and I will do my best, not only to give happiness to the people, but to represent them in the best way. And to represent them is to go along with the objectives of the club, with the values of the club. I am a person of values. Excellence, integrity and honesty will be the base of our work and will be in our heads in every moment.
"I am a man of people. I like people. I like to connect with people. I am a humble and simple person, but also at the same time demanding because I know what we need to do to win. Not win sometimes, but on a regular basis because that's the demand we have ahead of us. That's the objective ahead of us that one day - and I hope that day is very far away from today - I also want to be remembered among great coaches like Pitso Mosimane, like Rulani (Mokwena), like Steve Komphela and like Manqoba and others. I want to also leave my name, first as a good person, second as a good coach and third as a winner. These are our objectives when we are entering this club."
His first assignment is on Sunday against Morocco's reigning champions Raja Casablanca in the Champions League group stages.
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Sundowns have confirmed that the coach's documents for the work permit have been finalised and he is expected to be on the bench for the first time.
His technical team includes Fabio Fernandes, Pedro Azevedo and João Araújo. Steve Komphela and Kennedy Mweene are also part of the technical team. Romain Folz and Wendell Robinson, meanwhile, have left the club with Mngqithi.
By Tshepang Mailwane
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