Cardoso Warns Of “Dirty Tactics” Ahead Of Lupopo Clash
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his players are fully aware of the gamesmanship tactics St Eloi Lupopo may use—tactics that proved effective against Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds.
Sundowns host Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday in a Champions League group-stage opener.
Lupopo notoriously frustrated Pirates during the second preliminary round at Orlando Stadium last month.
Having already lost the first leg 3-0 in Congo, Pirates saw Dieumerci Mukoko Amale become the chief disruptor in the return leg when he slapped the ball out of Masindi Memtajela’s hands after the latter scored, sparking a confrontation between the two players.
Tshepang Moremi then reacted by pushing Amale, who dramatically fell to the ground as if he were performing in a theatre production.
The antics continued when Amale kicked the ankle of Oswin Appollis in an off-the-ball incident. Appollis nearly reacted and risked a red card before restraining himself.
Although Pirates fought back with three goals to level the tie 3-3 on aggregate, they failed to keep their composure during the penalty shootout and were eliminated.
Asked whether Sundowns are prepared for similar tactics from Lupopo in Pretoria, Cardoso insisted his players understand that indiscipline is unacceptable.
“We always work hard to ensure players understand that any emotions not suitable for a football match must be left in the locker room,” Cardoso said during Thursday’s press conference.
“Whatever happens on the pitch must be managed in the right emotional way.
“You remember last year when we played Esperance at home—there was a clash between the players, and our opponents tried to drag us into confusion and noise.
“I always want the players to keep their focus on their behaviour. Negative emotions take you off your path. Even for me, when things happen that have nothing to do with the game, I stay away because I’m not happy.
“I don’t get involved emotionally because I’m also human. We must know who we are, what the plan is, what’s happening on the pitch, what needs correcting, and what messages we give at half-time.
“If our minds are not focused on these things, we won’t make good decisions. I don’t react to gamesmanship. I’m probably the last person who would enter the pitch in anger.
“I avoid negative emotions so I can focus on my job. That’s exactly what the players must do.”
Cardoso added that he does not expect the same level of theatrics in a high-profile group-stage match.
“I don’t believe such abnormal things will happen again. Group-stage matches have more cameras, more pressure, and more oversight. That Pirates vs. Lupopo match was very specific. I don’t think it will be repeated on Saturday—it will simply be a football match.”
Marcelo Allende also commented on the issue of gamesmanship.
“Our focus is always on the game. We need to move the ball faster and take the chances we create. We’re here to play football and collect the three points,” Allende said.
“In South Africa, this is the most important aspect.”
Sundowns started last season’s group stage slowly, drawing their first two matches against AS Maniema and FAR Rabat under Manqoba Mngqithi.
That slow start eventually saw the club part ways with Mngqithi and appoint Cardoso, who then guided Sundowns all the way to the Champions League final, where they lost to Egyptian side Pyramids.
