Cardoso Recharges With Western Cape Escape

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso was able to enjoy some downtime this International Break with a Garden Route family getaway, seeing him visit some of the Western Cape’s dreamy locations.

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The story

After navigating an intense run of fixtures, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso pressed pause on football duties to embrace a slower pace of life, soaking in ocean views along South Africa’s famed Garden Route.

The Portuguese mentor made the most of the FIFA International break after the back of a demanding stretch that saw Masandawana play 10 matches across competitions between mid-February and late March. 

It was a period defined by consistency, with Cardoso guiding Sundowns to nine victories, including a statement league win over Orlando Pirates and a strong showing against a Rulani Mokwena-led MC Alger in continental action. 

The run also secured the club a semi-final spot in the CAF Champions League and earned Cardoso the PSL Coach of the Month award.

With momentum firmly on his side, Cardoso took time to recharge with a family getaway through some of the Western Cape’s most picturesque destinations. Sharing glimpses on social media, the coach was seen enjoying quality time with his son at Brenton-on-Sea, where sweeping coastal views offered the perfect backdrop to unwind.

The trip also took them to the serene Featherbed Nature Reserve, where the pair soaked in panoramic vistas overlooking the calm waters of the Knysna Lagoon — a stark contrast to the high-stakes energy of the technical area.

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Adventure wasn’t left off the itinerary either. Cardoso and his son embraced the outdoors with a kayaking excursion through the dramatic Storms River Gorge in the renowned Tsitsikamma National Park. The getaway continued with more seaside moments in Plettenberg Bay, rounding off a trip that blended relaxation, adventure, and family time.

For the coach, the Garden Route escape offered a well-earned reset, just in time for what will be a pulsating end to what’s already been a pulsating 2025/26 season.

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