‘True Test Starts In December’: Cardoso Throws Down Mind Games Warning To Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says Orlando Pirates can fly high for now, but their true test will come in the CAF Champions League if they reach the group stage.
Sundowns maintained their solid start to the season, brushing Milford FC aside with a 2–0 victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
The Brazilians were under pressure to respond after log leaders and defending champions Orlando Pirates hammered Kruger United 4–0 at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
Both sides, who have shared the league title between them over the past nine seasons, sit joint-top of the Betway Premiership with 13 points from five matches.
The rivals are also set to clash in the MTN8 final on 10 October, with the venue expected to be Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Cardoso hopes Pirates will progress to the CAF Champions League group stage this season—unlike last term. Sundowns enter this year’s competition as defending continental champions, having lifted the trophy last season.
Unlike Sundowns, Pirates must begin their campaign in the first preliminary round, travelling to Mauritius to face Champions League debutants La Cure Waves this coming weekend. A total of 61 clubs entered the competition, with defending champions Sundowns, Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco’s RS Berkane receiving byes directly into the second preliminary round.
The Portuguese coach emphasized that the true test begins in the group stages due to heavy squad rotation and minute margins for error in Africa’s premier club tournament.
“We are going to enter the period of the season in December, and that will be completely different from the one we have now,” said Cardoso.
“Both teams will have to play lots of games during the week. They will play CAF Champions League matches, qualifiers and group stages. Let’s hope both teams can arrive there and play for something that is more important.
“Then, we are going to see what is going to happen because of the capacity to play a lot of games and the stress and pressure, knowing that in the Champions League matches, you have to put the best players; otherwise, you won’t win.
“On the other games, probably take out some of the best ones and let’s see if the other ones are ready for the level. That will speak for all the teams.
“But for now, it is too early. But probably a high level of competition between the three teams, including Kaizer Chiefs in the CAF Confederation Cup, will be there, for sure.
“Let’s see. It will be interesting to see.”
Sundowns have a chance to claim sole possession of top spot in the Betway Premiership when they visit Golden Arrows in a tricky fixture at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
