Miguel Cardoso’s meteoric rise at Mamelodi Sundowns has not only captivated the South African football scene but is now drawing serious attention from across the continent – particularly in North Africa.
Just months after taking charge of the Tshwane-based club, Cardoso has transformed Sundowns into a ruthless, well-oiled machine, delivering silverware and setting new benchmarks in performance and style.
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The Portuguese tactician, who joined the reigning Betway Premiership champions in December, has already led the team to their historic eighth consecutive league title.
More significantly, he has steered Sundowns to the CAF Champions League final, where they will battle Egypt’s Pyramids FC over two legs, starting this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Cardoso’s rapid impact has not gone unnoticed. Sources indicate that clubs in Algeria have been closely monitoring his progress, impressed by his ability to blend flair and discipline in a squad already rich in talent.
Offers are being considered behind the scenes – but luring the coach away from Chloorkop is another matter altogether.
“There is real interest in Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso from clubs in Algeria,” a source close to the situation confirmed.
“More than one club has been assessing him. They’re impressed with the work he’s done in such a short time. But it’s going to be tough – Cardoso is committed to the Sundowns project. He’s happy, motivated, and aiming for more success. The club also has no intention of losing him now, especially with the Club World Cup around the corner.”
Indeed, Sundowns have made it clear that Cardoso is central to their ambitions. With the FIFA Club World Cup set for next month, the club has already begun preparations under his leadership, and any approach from outside is expected to be swiftly rebuffed.
This surge in attention toward Cardoso comes at a time when South African football is continuing to export coaching talent with increasing regularity.
His close colleague in coaching, Jose Riveiro, formerly of Orlando Pirates, is on the verge of being unveiled as the new head coach of Egyptian giants Al Ahly – further evidence of the Betway Premiership’s elevated status as a breeding ground for elite tactical minds.
The standard of the South African top flight has improved remarkably in recent seasons, due in no small part to the influence of coaches like Cardoso and Riveiro.
They’ve introduced a sophisticated brand of football – blending tactical intelligence, player development, and continental ambition – that is now turning heads across Africa.
For Cardoso, the focus remains firmly on the immediate future: continental glory and a shot at global recognition at the Club World Cup.
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But with interest mounting and success piling up, it seems only a matter of time before the wider football world comes calling even louder.
For now, though, Cardoso is building something special at the Brazilians – and both he and the club are in no rush to stop the momentum.
