Miguel Cardoso says Champions League title silences detractors

The Brazilians secured the continental crown following a tense 1-1 draw in Rabat, with a 2-1 aggregate victory enough to see them crowned African champions.

Speaking during an emotional post-match press conference, Cardoso said the triumph vindicated his appointment and proved doubters wrong.

Cardoso added that the team still carried the scars of losing to Pyramids in the final last year and had been determined for a different outcome since then.

"I told the AS FAR coach that the last two years have been very difficult when I was on the other side of the result, but it was time. Last year I saw tears on my players faces and we promised each other that there would be tears this year, but rather tears of joy." 

READ: Orbit College promise stronger comeback after Premiership relegation

The Portuguese mentor also gave credit to his compatriot Alexader Santos for assembling a tough AS FAR outfit that put up a fight on Sunday. 

Cardoso continued to sound the alarm to those in charge of SA football as he emphasised the need to create a fixture schedule that can aid teams competing in the CAF interclub tournaments.

"I believe that only commitment and a group of players with high capacity with a little bit of luck, are the ones that can arrive here. If South Africa wants to have a team here in the Champions League, some dynamics have to change to provide the necessary conditions. 

"There are three potential Bafana Bafana players who could not play today, because in the last month they were exposed to something that is not normal. It's time for the people who are in charge of South African football to really think what they want towards the development of football in the country."