Cardoso Ready For Historic Friendly Clash
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged the quality possessed by RB Leipzig but insists his side should not feel inferior ahead of their international friendly clash on Friday.
Sundowns will host the German Bundesliga outfit at Lucas Moripe Stadium in a highly anticipated encounter.
With several regular starters away on international duty for Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations, the Brazilians are expected to give opportunities to players who have struggled for game time this season.
The match will also mark the first time Sundowns wear their two-star badge following their CAF Champions League triumph over AS FAR in Morocco on Sunday.
Despite recognising Leipzig’s stature in European football, Cardoso says that does not make Sundowns a small club.
“Regarding ourselves, on Friday, we need to understand that we achieved something life-changing,” said Cardoso.
“We carry a badge with two golden stars, and we are playing against an incredible opponent that naturally comes from an environment and level that we would all like to reach. But that doesn’t make us small. We know we don’t have a full squad available, but we also know that we want to play beautiful football and compete.”
“When we compete, we are already giving our very best, and that is what we will try to do tomorrow [Friday] — play good football and perform to the best of our ability.”
