Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is taking nothing for granted despite a 3-0 lead in the CAF Champions League. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso insists their CAF Champions League semi-final spot is not secured, despite beating Stade Malien 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final, stressing the need for hard work in the return leg.
Sundowns are in a make-or-break season on the continent. They need to win the coveted continental crown for the first time in 10 years, as failure to do so will likely see Cardoso and some of his backroom staff depart.
Despite struggles in the group stage, the Portuguese coach has started strongly in the knockout phase with victory over Stade Malien. However, given his experience in continental football – where ties can turn dramatically in the second leg – he remains cautious about assuming progression is guaranteed.
“We cannot think that things are done. They need to be controlled by us,” said Cardoso ahead of their trip to Bamako on Sunday. “The Champions League is not a story that’s written yet.”
Sundowns will travel to Mali via chartered flight full of confidence. They extended their winning streak to eight matches in the Betway Premiership after beating Marumo Gallants 3-1 on Tuesday night, climbing to the top of the standings with a two-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates.
Speaking during his post-match press conference at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night, Cardoso revealed what he told his players at half-time when the teams were level at 1-1.
“I asked the boys at half-time: ‘What are you thinking about Champions League matches?’ We don’t know how we are going to wake up tomorrow or next week,” he said. “Winning today gives us a more comfortable platform to prepare for the Champions League match.
“We need to reach that level every time so we can prepare for the next one with the best energy. We can’t take anything for granted.”
The win over Gallants ensured Sundowns maintained their impressive run and strengthened their ambitions of defending their league title. However, Cardoso refused to dwell on past successes, insisting tougher challenges lie ahead.
“The victories are done. The last defeat came when Teboho (Mokoena) received a red card when we played Siwelele away. We were looking for the second goal to win, and we could have been on a better run,” he said.
“We need to be serious during matches. We need to manage the level of games. Ahead of us, we still have to play Polokwane City, which shows the level of competition – they’ll be very aggressive.
“There are still many challenges. Threats can come from anywhere if we don’t give 100% – anything less won’t be enough.”
Amid Sundowns’ dominance, convincing performances and experience, many believe the league title is theirs to lose. But Cardoso remains grounded, saying they are simply pleased to be in a strong position.
“It’s more comfortable than yesterday and two days before because Pirates were a point ahead and we were level on points. But it’s not a ‘comfortable’ place – we could be misled,” he said. “We need to fight for more.
“It’s a better position heading into the break. We need to feel the energy and positivity, but there is still a lot to do. What we’ve done won’t speak for us – we need to stay focused.”
*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch