Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ 3-1 victory over Saint-Éloi Lupopo, head
coach Miguel Cardoso highlighted the influential performances of Portuguese
pair Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho, while emphasizing the importance of
collective team effort.
Santos was the star of the show, scoring a brace in the CAF Champions League
group stage opener. The Portuguese duo were instrumental in two of the three
goals, combining for the opener before later linking up to assist Marcelo
Allende’s strike.
In his post-match comments to SABC Sport, Cardoso acknowledged the
individual quality on display but was keen to focus on the team’s overall
strength.
“I think it is important to highlight what the team can do together,”
Cardoso stated. “Obviously, when players reach a good level and put all
their effort on the pitch, the team will profit from it.”
He specifically praised his countrymen, saying, “Our team has many
high-quality players. We saw what Nuno did at a very high level. Miguel,
obviously [it was his] first match in this competition, but [it was a] good
pass, something that we worked on.”
The coach concluded by outlining his philosophy, suggesting that while
different players will shine on different days, consistency is the ultimate
goal. “What I think is that the players can be consistent in terms of team
behaviour so that we can win matches and look forward.”
Sundowns now turn their attention to a highly-anticipated clash against MC
Alger, which will see a reunion with their former coach, Rulani Mokwena.
