We consider ourselves fortunate and would like to thank Mr. Miguel Cardoso for his four-day visit to Rhulani Safari Lodge. The head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. took advantage of the short break in the South African soccer league to take a trip to the African bush, together with his wife, seeking peace and relaxation after an extremely stressful time.
Mr. Cardoso has been at the helm of the successful club near Pretoria since the end of last year. This year alone, Sundowns have played 17 matches and are currently leading the table by a considerable margin.
As Mr. Cardoso told us, his life since arriving in South Africa has been nothing but work, work, and more work. “I am a simple man, but I’m demanding. I want to win always”, he told the press last December. And he kept his word. But then last Sunday's clash with second-placed Orlando Pirates took place, which he lost 2-1 after a nerve-wracking match. It was time for a break. And he was already on his way to Madikwe Game Reserve.
There were many interesting holiday proposals in South Africa like the Garden Route or Cape Town, but in the end, Mr. Cardoso chose a place of seclusion and tranquility. Just disconnect, far away from everything, Simply sitting by a dam, letting the time pass and watching the animals in their natural habitat was exactly what he needed.
The whole Rhulani team was delighted with Mr. Cardoso's visit and made sure everything goes well. Rhulani's manager Tom-Hendrik said: "Mr. Cardoso is one of the most down-to-earth persons I have ever seen." As perhaps not everyone knows, Tom-Hendrik is a supporter of the Orlando Pirates, their biggest rival. Nevertheless, he was allowed to take part in the farewell photo, where Rhulani's assistant manager Nosa, a big Sundowns fan, and Ranger James also posed.
Miguel Cardoso, originally from Portugal, has previous experience at Rio Ave in Portugal, French side Nantes, Celta Vigo in Spain and Greek Super League outfit AEK Athens. He was most recently in charge of Tunisian club Esperance, who he led to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in 2023-24.
The Rhulani team wishes Mr. Cardoso and his wife a wonderful, happy, and successful time in South Africa and thanks them for the wonderful moments we were able to experience together.
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