“The Grind” – Morena Breaks Down How Miguel Cardoso Transformed Sundowns For CAF Glory

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Thapelo Morena has detailed the tactical “grind” required to end the club’s ten-year CAF Champions League drought.

Following a 1-0 win at Loftus Stadium, a 2-0 aggregate win over Espérance on Saturday, Sundowns face AS FAR in the two-legged May final.

The latter reached the final after overcoming his fellow Moroccan side RS Berkane on Saturday.

Sundowns have endured a continental drought since their last triumph in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane.

They now have a fresh opportunity to end that wait after defeating Espérance de Tunis 2–0 on aggregate in the semifinals, with Bryan León scoring in both legs—one at home and one away.

The two-legged final is scheduled for late May, with FAR Rabat hosting the second leg after finishing on top of the group.

Morena explained what will be required for them to lift the trophy this time under Miguel Cardoso, who has reached the final of this competition in three consecutive seasons.

“The most important thing is to keep grinding the way we have been. We know that playing away from home is always difficult,” said Morena.

“But the positive is that we have been getting good results away, and at home we will try to minimise conceding goals. That is something we have been doing well in the Champions League.”

Morena, who joined Sundowns in the same year they won the Champions League in 2016, also highlighted how the team is managing its schedule while competing in both international and the Betway Premiership.

“For us as a team, we are taking each game as it comes. Everything has its own process, and that is how we approach it—by sticking to our routine and treating each competition on its own merits.

“After our continental duties, we now shift focus back to the league.”

The Betway Premiership defending champions will host Stellenbosch at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.