Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has dismissed suggestions that he is under growing pressure following his side’s Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat to Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns suffered a 2-1 loss to Amakhosi at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, ending their hopes of securing domestic cup silverware this season.
The result confirmed their elimination from all local cup competitions, having already exited the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the campaign.
With just the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League left to play for, attention now shifts to whether Cardoso can deliver success on the continental stage — particularly with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fast approaching.
Despite this, the Portuguese coach remains composed and insists he is not feeling additional pressure.
Sundowns might finish the season trophyless. pic.twitter.com/0cX2zkdGEl
— SBUSISO (@SbuMasang) April 13, 2025
Responding to a question about whether the defeat to Chiefs has intensified expectations, Cardoso offered a personal perspective on what he considers true pressure.
“Pressure on me, with all due respect, was when the bombs were falling 500m on my house when I was in Donetsk in 2014. That was pressure,” he said.
“Pressure is if I would not have my family that loves me. Pressure was if I would not have a club that supports me and people that support me. I don’t live from pressure from football. I am 52 years old. Sorry! It’s time that I live in peace."
Since his arrival at the Chloorkop-based side in December ,Cardoso has overseen 28 matches in all competitions, winning 20, drawing four and losing a further four.
The former Shaktar Donetsk and Celta Viga boss claims he has established a mental fortitude like no other which will guide him
He further added: “If there’s something I conquered for myself was a lot of peace because I don’t depend on whatever. I don’t depend on the judgment of whoever.
“I just depend on the belief I have in myself, and my people, in my players. I’ll do my best wherever I am until the last day.
Flemming Berg at Sundowns
Junior Mendieta ❌
Erwin Savendra ❌
Matias Esquivel failed ❌
Lucas Suarez failed ❌
Arthur Sales failed ❌
Lucas Ribeiro ✅
1/6
There are Pirates fans who said we should follow this scouting system cos Berg did a presentation on youtube😂 scammer pic.twitter.com/pGwQISTNAf
In the last day, whatever I need to, when, whenever it will be. I’ll go in peace. Because thank God, for many years already I live in big peace with myself.”
While Cardoso remains calm under the spotlight, there is still plenty on the line for Sundowns in the coming weeks.
The club is on track to secure an eighth consecutive league title and will now turn their full attention to their CAF Champions League semi-final clash against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
The first leg takes place in Pretoria this coming Saturday , with the return fixture in Cairo a week later.
Cardoso, who reached the Champions League final last season with Esperance Sportive de Tunis, will be looking to go one better with Masandawana.
Despite the domestic disappointment, Sundowns remain in contention for continental honours — a priority that could define their season.