“Budget Doesn’t Play!” Cardoso Issues Bold Rallying Cry As Sundowns Host €193M Al Ahli Superstars
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso insists the massive financial gap between his side and Al Ahli SC will count for nothing when the two teams clash in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
According to market valuations, Sundowns’ squad is valued at €41.60 million, whereas Al Ahli’s star-studded roster stands at €193.90 million—over four times the market value of the PSL champions.
The Saudi Pro League outfit boasts top international talent, including former Juventus defender Merih Demiral, England striker Ivan Toney, and former Senegal shot-stopper Édouard Mendy.
Mendy won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in 2022.
The back-to-back Asian Champions League winners also feature a potent Brazilian quartet comprising Roger Ibañez, Matheus Gonçalves, Galeno, and Ricardo Mathias, alongside Portuguese winger Francisco Trincão and French midfielder Valentin Atangana.
Despite the eye-watering financial contrast, Cardoso stressed that complete focus will be key to avoiding costly errors against elite opposition:
“Everyone understands that this goes beyond the Club World Cup,” said Cardoso.
“This is not a democratic competition where you will have a lot of teams playing. It is a very high-level standard where Sundowns put its name, and we should all still be proud of that.
“It is a moment for South Africa to be united, to enjoy this possibility. Not always to have an African champion, and obviously the African champion gets the right to be at this level.
“We feel very proud of the club. We, as players, feel very proud of the coaching staff for achieving such levels. We don’t just want to participate; we want to compete at the highest level we can.
“So, it is a good opportunity for us to push to the limit. What we should expect will be according to the level we put into our performance. We need to be at the top of the top, of course.
“Ahli is a team that is a powerhouse, but the budget doesn’t play. Otherwise, if we put in time, they would be eight-year-olds; they would be 18, which would be a difference.
“But that doesn’t play. As soon as the referee blows the whistle, it will be an effort for what both teams will put in.
“We need to be hundred percent focused; 99 percent won’t be enough because their players can decide tight games out of the situation.”
Sundowns got a taste of Saudi opposition during pre-season in Austria, where they faced Al Hilal and suffered a defeat courtesy of a brace from former Barcelona forward Malcom. Reflecting on that fixture, Cardoso highlighted how transitional moments cost his side:
“We experienced that when we played Al Hilal in the pre-season, we were very good and played quite well. But from two counterattacks, we conceded the goals,” Cardoso reflected.
“So, we need to control everything that may happen on the pitch, very strong, very resilient – and we need the people in the stands to cheer us, to push and bring extra energy so that we can push them to the limit all the time in the match.”
Should they advance, Sundowns will face the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas—contended between Mexican side Toluca and the CONMEBOL Libertadores champions—for the opportunity to meet European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final later this year.
