Goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners at Moses Mabhida Stadium earned Sundowns their first MTN8 title in four years, adding to their FIFA Intercontinental Cup triumph over Al-Ahli Saudi before the international break.

Reflecting on the early success, Cardoso expressed his satisfaction with the squad's progress but stressed that there is little time to rest on their achievements.

"I think it's an amazing achievement and it's fantastic to arrive in October with two trophies on the back," he said.

"Now we need to keep humble, keep humble, keep working hard, keep thinking that if we don't work hard, we'll never achieve nothing because there's already a match after tomorrow and then there's the qualifying round for the Champions League that will be very tough."

The Portuguese coach also highlighted the increased attacking options available to him, suggesting that the squad's depth has improved as they prepare to compete across multiple fronts.

"We have more options in terms of attack now," Cardoso said.

He was also encouraged by the way his players have embraced the demands of competition, emphasising that their collective mentality is just as important as their technical quality.

"I think we need, I'm very happy firstly by the way the boys understand how they have to compete and it's not who they are, it's what they become when they compete and that is for us the most important thing," he added.

Sundowns must now turn their attention to the Betway Premiership, the CAF Champions League qualifying rounds and the Carling Knockout as they look to add to their early-season silverware.

Meanwhile, chairman Thlopie Motsepe credited Cardoso with adding resilience to Sundowns' trademark attacking style.

"There were moments of piano shoe shine, which we can all be very proud of," Motsepe said.

"But I think we should all give credit to the coach as well because what you see in this Mamelodi Sundowns now as well is a little of shoe, shine and piano with steel."

Motsepe also praised Ronwen Williams for his saves against Pirates and revealed that the club was dedicating its trophies to the memory of Jayden Adams.

"I'm just so happy that they could do this for him, because he meant so much to them," he said.

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