It’s a shame. Those three words from Miguel Cardoso, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, have rippled far beyond the pitch. Ahead of the 2025–26 CAF Champions League finalAfrica, the Portuguese tactician didn’t just talk tactics. He talked about respect—or the glaring lack of it—from his homeland.
The final pits Sundowns, based in Pretoria, against Morocco’s AS FAR. But for Cardoso, the real opponent is a pervasive European indifference to African football’s elite level. "It is a shame for my country," he said, referring to Portugal’s failure to grasp the sheer difficulty of competing on this continent.
A Tale of Two Coaches, One Continent
Here’s the twist that makes this final uniquely fascinating: both teams are led by Portuguese coaches. Cardoso manages Sundowns, while Alexander Santos steers AS FAR. It’s a rare milestone for Portuguese coaching talent abroad, yet Cardoso argues it’s being overlooked back home.
He pointed to the legacy of Manuel José, the legendary coach who dominated with Al Ahly SC in Egypt. Despite winning multiple continental titles, José’s African triumphs rarely make headlines in Lisbon or Porto. "Even Manuel José is not properly recognised in Portugal," Cardoso noted, highlighting a systemic blind spot in how European media values non-European achievements.
The irony isn't lost on observers. While European coaches often receive plaudits for mid-table finishes or early cup exits, African coaches navigate a logistical nightmare—vast travel distances, varying pitch conditions, and intense physical demands—that demands resilience most Europeans never experience.
The Logistics of Greatness
Cardoso wasn’t just venting; he was outlining a brutal reality. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournament requires players to fly thousands of miles across diverse climates, often with short turnaround times. This isn’t just football; it’s endurance testing.
"The competition requires tactical, physical, and psychological resilience," Cardoso explained. He argued that success here is harder to achieve than in many European leagues, yet the narrative remains skewed. When Sundowns competes at this level, they’re operating with professional structures and tactical sophistication that rival top-tier European clubs, but without the same global spotlight.
Domestic Disappointment
But wait—the criticism wasn’t aimed solely at Europe. Cardoso also turned his gaze inward, toward South Africa’s domestic setup. Reports from Foot-Africa revealed his frustration with the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
He bemoaned the lack of institutional support for Sundowns’ continental quest. The congested calendar, combined with extensive travel for CAF fixtures, places immense strain on players. Cardoso argued that the PSL fails to provide adequate logistical backing, making the pursuit of an elusive CAF title even more arduous. It’s a double bind: fighting for recognition abroad while lacking sufficient infrastructure at home.
Why This Matters Now
This isn’t just about one final. It’s about the valuation of African sport in a globalized world. As football becomes increasingly commercialized, visibility equates to revenue. By dismissing the CAF Champions League as inferior, European markets ignore a vibrant, competitive ecosystem.
Cardoso’s comments come at a pivotal moment. With two Portuguese coaches leading the finalists, there’s a chance to rewrite the narrative. If Sundowns or AS FAR wins, it will be a testament to the high quality of African club football—a quality Cardoso insists deserves respect, not pity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the two teams in the 2025–26 CAF Champions League final?
The final features Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa and AS FAR from Morocco. Both teams are coached by Portuguese managers, Miguel Cardoso and Alexander Santos respectively, marking a unique moment in the tournament's history.
Why did Miguel Cardoso call it a 'shame'?
Cardoso used the term to express disappointment that people in his home country, Portugal, and Europe broadly, do not understand or value the high competitive level and logistical difficulties of the CAF Champions League compared to European competitions.
What specific challenges does the CAF Champions League present?
The tournament involves extreme travel distances across the African continent, varied playing conditions, and a congested schedule. These factors demand significant physical and psychological resilience from players, often exceeding the logistical hurdles faced in European leagues.
How does the Premier Soccer League fit into Cardoso's criticism?
Cardoso criticized the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for insufficient logistical and scheduling support for Mamelodi Sundowns. He argued that better domestic backing would help players cope with the dual demands of league play and continental competition.
Who is Manuel José, and why is he mentioned?
Manuel José is a legendary Portuguese coach who achieved massive success with Al Ahly SC in Egypt, winning multiple CAF Champions League titles. Cardoso cites him as an example of a compatriot whose African achievements are largely ignored in Portugal, despite their magnitude.