Cardoso Expects Tough Champions League Draw
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says he anticipates a tough and tricky CAF Champions League group stage draw after his side cruised through the qualifiers in dominant fashion.
Sundowns booked their place in the group stages in style, defeating Remo Stars with an emphatic 7–1 aggregate victory over two legs.
The Champions League group stage draw will take place on Monday at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, the official broadcast partner of CAF.
“I’ve been looking at the possible pots that will be finalised once all the remaining matches are played,” Cardoso said.
“The draw will tell us a lot about how competitive the tournament will be.
“But as we’ve seen before, even when we think we’ll face a so-called smaller team, playing away from home can be extremely difficult.”
The Portuguese tactician reflected on last season’s experience to highlight the unpredictable nature of the competition.
“I want everyone to remember that last year, the team that was theoretically the weakest in our group — Maniema — managed to draw with us in the first game, which we played at home,” he said.
Cardoso warned that this year’s draw could be equally challenging.
“I expect a very tricky and difficult draw because there are strong teams even in pots three and four,” he explained. “Some teams might not have big names, but they play powerful football — especially on their home turf. So, we’ll need a bit of luck, but also the right mindset.
“To compete in the Champions League, you must raise your game to the highest level — that’s the standard.”
Cardoso emphasized that Sundowns will approach every match with ambition and consistency, values that have defined the club’s dominance in African football.
“In the last ten years, only three clubs — Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Esperance — have reached the group stages ten times,” he said. “That shows consistency and the stature of this club. Qualifying was our first target, and now we must tackle the group stage with ambition in every game.”
Before turning their full attention back to continental football, Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
“We still have two matches to play before the December break — one at home and one away,” Cardoso added. “It’s important that we start well. But for now, it’s time to close the Champions League page and focus on our domestic fixtures — and that’s exactly what the players will do from now onwards.”
