Cardoso calls for Portuguese coaches to be celebrated ahead of CAF CL final

The two sides will do battle over two legs in the final of Africa’s premier club competition, with Cardoso arguing that the achievement deserves far greater recognition in his country, highlighting the legacy of the legendary Manuel Jose, who enjoyed enormous success on the continent with Al Ahly.  

Cardoso insisted that Jose’s accomplishments have not received the appreciation they merit internationally.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s first leg at Loftus, the Downs mentor described the Champions League as one of the most demanding competitions. 

"I think that the international and European football fraternity doesn't really understand the level of the CAF Champions League in Africa, and it's a shame that my country Portugal doesn't really understand.

"Even Manuel Jose is not recognised by the level of work he did here. I am speaking about my own country and my own people, but they prefer to recognise a guy that is able to just sustain a team in Spain or France or in the English Championship. I feel really proud to be a Portuguese coach in Africa, African football experiences has allowed me to grow as a coach and as a human being."

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Cardoso also spoke very highly of Santos, who has guided AS FAR to their first Champions League final since 1985 – when they won it. 

The Sundowns coach was adamant that there would also be no animosity with his countryman, pointing out that it’s the players who battle it out on the pitch instead. 

Cardoso then reflected on the route to a second successive final having lost to Pyramids at this stage last season. 

"Everything came so quickly and it feels as if the last few months have flown by. Only recently were we discussing the group stages and what could happen and now we are here in the final. The last few months have been quite hectic.

"We feel very privileged as a club, as players and as coaches to be in back-to back Champions League finals. It's a moment of ambition and we have the objective to fight until the last moment."