Cardoso's side secured their place in the showpiece event with a composed 2-0 aggregate victory over Esperance de Tunis in the semi-finals, winning 1-0 in both legs. Colombian forward Brayan Leon proved decisive, scoring in each encounter to send Masandawana through.

Sundowns will now face Moroccan outfit AS FAR in the final, after the North Africans overcame RS Berkane in their semi-final clash.

The latest achievement marks a significant turnaround for Cardoso, who faced mounting pressure earlier in the 2025/26 campaign following an inconsistent run of results. Calls for his dismissal had begun to grow louder among sections of the club's supporters.

However, the Portuguese tactician has now silenced much of that criticism by steering Sundowns to within touching distance of continental glory - something the club last achieved under Pitso Mosimane in 2016.

Having fallen short in last season's final against Pyramids FC, Sundowns now have an immediate chance at redemption.

Reflecting on the scrutiny he faced, Cardoso made it clear he never doubted his position at the club.

"Those kinds of people don't make my life; I live from the energy that comes from those who are important," Cardoso said after the match.

"And it's you (the media), saying, ‘we didn't know if you would stay', I knew that I would stay. My assistant coaches, my club, management, and my players - we all knew I would stay.

"The ones that wanted me out are probably the ones that don't have the capacity and power to decide.

"But I don't take this moment as an individual achievement. I look at it as a club and players' achievement. It's their job and their high level of commitment. I just try to facilitate and not complicate things."

The 54-year-old also offered a philosophical reflection on his career and life beyond football.

He added: "I live in peace. I have to enjoy life. One day, this life will end for everybody. I don't depend on my day-to-day work - I depend on what I've done for many years. My life is very stable, so I need to enjoy it."

Steve Barker in awe of current Stellenbosch squad