Cardoso celebrated ahead of Champions League final

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has been celebrated for the work he has done on the continent ahead of his third CAF Champions League final.

Cardoso is in his third Champions League final in less than 30 months working in Africa.

READ: Sundowns’ cup final anxieties plugged in...

He reached his first with Esperance and is now into his second with Sundowns, which will pit him up against fellow Portuguese, Alexandre Santos – the head coach of AS FAR Rabat.

"To enter a new continent and be in the final of the biggest competition three years in a row is remarkable," notes fellow Portuguese coach Alex.

Alex was previously assistant coach at Zamalek and is now on his way to promotion with Portuguese club Amarante.

"So, credit to Miguel for the work that he has done in Africa, it is admirable and has represented us well as Portuguese coaches.

"He now knows the CAF Champions League this well in such a short period of time.

"I know him well, I know both coaches in the final. Miguel has more experience and a better CV based on what he has done from when he was an assistant.

"He is a man of principle with a firm hand in what he does.

"His coaching revolves around being organised and disciplined, and I know that he is serious about his work and brings a lot of good spirits and respect for the team.

"To be where Miguel is now shows that he has earned it and we can’t take it away from him," says Alex, while then giving insight on Santos.

"He is also a good human being who started as an assistant but has also worked to be where he is now.

READ: Chiefs co-coaches decision ‘soaked’

"His growth came while outside the country.

"The fact that he has taken his team to the final shows how good a job he has done.

"Champions League in Africa is difficult, and for him to take AS FAR to the final is unbelievable," says Alex.