Cardoso Shrugs Off Claims He Is Under Pressure After Cup Exit
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has dismissed the notion that he is under pressure to deliver at the CAF Champions League following their shock Nedbank Cup semi-finals elimination by Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday.
After crashing out of the Ke Yona cup, the Brazilians’ only remaining chance of winning domestic silverware this season is the Betway Premiership, as they are on course to clinch a record-extending eighth consecutive championship.
Additionally, Masandawana have a chance in the CAF Champions League, with the Tshwane giants set to face the record 12-time and reigning champions Al Ahly as they continue their quest for a second star before the FIFA Club World Cup in July.
In the wake of a disappointing defeat where they were heavily tipped to progress to the final, the Portuguese tactician rubbished suggestions that he’s under pressure to bring continental glory to Chloorkop – a feat that has been eluding the club since its last and only win in 2016.
“Pressure on me? With all the respect was when the bombs were falling 500 meters from my house when I was in Donetsk in 2014 – that was pressure. Pressure is if I would have not had my family who love me; pressure is if I would have not had a club and people that support me,” said Cardoso.
“I don’t need pressure from football, I have 52 years; it’s time that I live in peace. If there’s something I conquered for myself, it is a lot of peace because I don’t depend on whatever, I don’t depend on the judgement from whoever.
“I just depend on the belief that I have in myself, in my people, and in my players. I’ll do my best, wherever I am, until the last day. In the last day, whenever it will be, I’ll go in peace because thank God I already live in big peace with myself peace for many years.”
Cardoso’s men will shift their focus to continental duties for a blockbuster showdown against Marcell Koller’s side in the first leg of their semi-final clash in Africa’s premium club competition at Loftus Stadium on Saturday (15:00).
Sundowns won three of their last five encounters against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League, with the other two matches ending in a draw. The Egyptian powerhouse last overcame the South African champions in May 2021 in the quarterfinals and has a total of three wins in 12 meetings.
Pic courtesy of Ayanda Shots
