Cardoso Honours “Good Spirit” Adams as Sundowns Lift Trophy
Miguel Cardoso caught many off guard when he paid tribute to late Mamelodi Sundowns player Jayden Adams, who passed away just before the start of the season.
Nuno Santos scored twice with his head as Sundowns beat Al Ahli 2-1 on Saturday, lifting the 2026 FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Speaking after the match, the Portuguese coach stressed that Sundowns respect the game itself — but not any particular opponent.
What stood out most, though, was his tribute to Adams, who took his own life shortly after returning from the World Cup.
“At this moment, let’s look up to the sky and honour our brother Jayden Adams. It’s beautiful that today, he gave us extra strength,” Cardoso said.
Beyond that, the coach made clear that Sundowns fear no one. He said that whoever stands in front of them, they will face with confidence and pride.
“It’s important that we respect the game, but we don’t fear anyone. Don’t get me wrong,” the coach explained.
“Even in how we play, our self-belief, the respect we show out on the pitch, working hard when we have the ball, staying humble about it while still being proud of who we are.
“I told the players I wanted to see Sundowns out there today, and we saw it.”
Sundowns will now await the winner between Toluca and the Copa Libertadores champions, who they’ll face in the FIFA Challenger Cup.
Besides honouring Jayden Adams, Miguel Cardoso also thanked the fans, club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, the players, and Flemming Berg.
“Thank you so much to South Africa, thank you so much to Mamelodi Sundowns.
“This belongs to these beautiful people here (pointing to the fans), all of them,” he said.
Sundowns now continue their journey toward the summit of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
