Miguel Cardoso speaks Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Kaizer Chiefs

Ahead of one of the most high-stakes matches of the season, head coach Miguel Cardoso has broken his silence and shared his thoughts about the upcoming Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

With both teams eyeing a coveted spot in the final, tension is mounting and all eyes are now on what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

For Cardoso, the pressure is real—but so is the belief.

Speaking to the media during a pre-match press briefing, Cardoso was calm, focused, and fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge that awaits his side.

Facing a team like Kaizer Chiefs in a knockout game is never easy, and he made no attempt to downplay the threat posed by the Soweto giants.

However, he was quick to highlight his team’s recent form, mentality, and preparation as reasons for optimism.

“This is a big game, yes,” Cardoso said.

“But it is also a great opportunity—for the players, for the club, and for the fans.

We respect Kaizer Chiefs, we know their history and their ambition, but we are not coming into this match to watch them play.

We are coming to compete, to challenge, and to win.

Cardoso acknowledged that Kaizer Chiefs have been in solid form, especially in recent cup fixtures, but emphasized that his team is ready.

“They’ve got players who can change the game in a second,” he noted, “but so do we.

And football is not played on names.It’s played with heart, structure, and execution.

One of the key focuses for Cardoso going into the match is managing the emotional side of the game.

A semi-final brings with it a different kind of pressure—especially against a club with such a massive following as Kaizer Chiefs.

“It’s important that we don’t let the moment overwhelm us,” he said.

“We’ve worked hard to be here.

We earned our place in the semi-finals, and we need to trust in our football.

Asked about his tactical approach, Cardoso remained tight-lipped but did drop a few hints.

He stressed the importance of balance, structure, and adaptability.

“You can’t play Kaizer Chiefs with only one idea,” he explained.

“They are dangerous in transition, and if you give them space, they punish you.

But we also know they can be vulnerable under pressure.

We’ll have to be intelligent.

There’s no room for passive football at this stage.

The coach also praised his squad for their professionalism in training and their growing sense of belief.

“There’s a hunger in this group,” Cardoso said.“The mood in the camp is good.

The players understand the responsibility, but they’re also embracing it.

That’s what you want to see ahead of a big match.

A few players were highlighted during the briefing, though Cardoso avoided naming his starting eleven.

He did confirm that his squad is nearly at full strength and that recovery and physical preparation have gone according to plan.

“We’ve been lucky in that we haven’t picked up too many injuries lately.

The medical team has done a great job.

Everyone who’s available knows this could be a once-in-a-career moment.

When asked whether he believed his team could reach the final, Cardoso didn’t hesitate.“Absolutely,” he said.

“We’re not here just to participate.We’re here to make history.

I’ve said this before: to win a trophy, you need to beat the big teams.

There’s no way around that.Kaizer Chiefs are a big team.

That makes this a big opportunity.

Cardoso also took a moment to address the supporters, many of whom are expected to travel to the stadium or watch from home.

“Our fans have been incredible all season,” he said.

“We feel their energy.We play for them.

I hope we can give them something special to cheer about on matchday.

This semi-final is more than just another game.

For Cardoso, it represents a chance to validate the work he’s been doing since taking the reins, to instill belief in a team that has often been overlooked, and to remind the league that success isn’t reserved only for the established giants.

It’s earned, match by match, moment by moment.

He acknowledged the emotional and symbolic weight of playing a team like Kaizer Chiefs.

“You grow up hearing their name.You see the shirts, you hear the chants.

But when the whistle blows, they’re just eleven men on the pitch.

We’ve prepared for them like we prepare for every team—with respect, but not fear.

The coach ended the briefing on a note of confidence.

“We know what this means.We know what’s at stake.And we’ll be ready.

As kickoff approaches, the stage is set.

The lights will shine brighter.

The pressure will mount.

And as Miguel Cardoso leads his team onto the field against one of the most storied clubs in South African football history, he’ll be doing so with a quiet belief—and the hope of writing a new chapter in the Nedbank Cup legacy.