Cardoso Emphasizes Good Start In CAF Unlike Last Year
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stressed the importance of respect and a strong start ahead of their CAF Champions League group stage opener against Saint-Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Portuguese mentor emphasized that his team understands the need to respect opponents, particularly those from less-fancied countries, and that they have worked on instilling this mindset throughout the week.
“We understand that sometimes because a team is from a (less fancied) country or has no such curriculum, there’s sometimes a wrong idea about taking the respect that we should have in this kind of match,” Cardoso said.
“So, that was also a very important message and attitude and mindset that we had throughout the week and created throughout the week.”
Cardoso’s words come after Lupopo’s impressive performance against Orlando Pirates, which earned them a spot in the group stage of this year’s Champions League edition.
Last season, Sundowns struggled to get off the mark in their group stage opener against Maniema Union, drawing at home in Loftus Versfeld Stadium under the guidance of Manqoba Mngqithi.
Cardoso acknowledged the impact of that match on the team’s performance throughout the group stage.
“We remember very well what happened last year on the first game of the group stage where Mamelodi Sundowns was not able to beat Maniema at home, and from there, all that haunted the team a little bit throughout the group stage,” he added.
“So, we want to make a good start. A good start is on the whistle of the referee and the players that are available that can start that match, will for sure be very strong and very powerful on going and pursuing the result we want to get.”
A win by two or more goals against Lupopo could see Sundowns take the lead in the group standings.
The Sudanese side Al Hilal currently tops the group with three points and a plus-one goal difference after beating MC Alger 2-1 on Friday afternoon at the Amahoro National Stadium in Rwanda.
