{
  "id": 12174357,
  "title": "Cardoso reveals long-term Sundowns future ahead of MTN8 final",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/cardoso-reveals-long-term-sundowns-future-ahead-of-mtn8-final",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T14:54:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/cardoso-reveals-long-term-sundowns-future-ahead-of-mtn8-final/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has announced a long-term contract extension with the team ahead of their MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates. Cardoso, who has been with Sundowns since December, expressed his satisfaction with the club's support, stating that feeling respected is crucial for a coach. The 54-year-old coach discussed his decision to remain with the African champions, emphasizing that as long as his employers value him and provide him with love, he will continue to serve them. Reflecting on his tenure, Cardoso highlighted the challenge of following in the footsteps of previous coaches, Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena, while also earning the trust of a squad with a strong history of success. He acknowledged that the players' mentality was developed under prior leadership, and it took time for him to prove himself and earn their belief in his ability to help them achieve more. As Sundowns prepare for the highly anticipated final, the team's focus will be on ensuring the fitness of key players, including Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, and Bathusi Aubaas, who were part of the recently returned Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.",
  "summary": "'I have a long-term contract, I'm so pleased, I feel respected and that's the most important thing for a coach,' said the 54-year-old.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}