Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has delivered a striking assessment of Kaizer Chiefs, stating that the Soweto giants were a more dangerous side under former coach Nasreddine Nabi. Cardoso, who has been in charge of the reigning Betway Premiership champions since his recent appointment, made the observation ahead of his team’s upcoming clash with Chiefs. His comments add a layer of intrigue to the fixture, as they suggest that the current Amakhosi setup, now under different leadership, may not pose the same level of threat that the Nabi-led team did. While Cardoso did not elaborate on specific tactical or personnel differences, his remark indicates that he held Nabi’s Chiefs in higher regard as an opponent.
The statement from Cardoso carries weight given Sundowns’ dominance in South African football, having won the league title in six consecutive seasons. For Chiefs, who have been in a prolonged trophy drought, the endorsement of their former coach’s approach will likely reignite debate among fans and analysts about the club’s direction. Nabi’s tenure was marked by inconsistency but also moments of attacking ambition that troubled even the strongest defenses. Cardoso’s admission that Sundowns found that version of Chiefs more challenging suggests that the club’s identity and tactical threat have shifted since Nabi’s departure, whether due to player changes or a different coaching philosophy.
As the two rivals prepare to meet again, Cardoso’s observation serves as a reminder that Kaizer Chiefs’ potential under Nabi was perhaps greater than their results reflected. While Sundowns remain the standard-bearer in South African football, the acknowledgment from their coach that a previous Chiefs incarnation was “more dangerous” highlights the fine margins in top-level competition. It also puts pressure on Chiefs’ current management to prove that they can restore that level of competitiveness. For now, Cardoso’s words will hang over the buildup to the match, framing Sundowns as a side that respects what Chiefs were—and possibly hopes they are