‘I didn’t want to play Pirates’: Cardoso on CAFCL quarterfinals draw
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why he didn’t want his side to be pitted against Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw.
The Brazilians were drawn against the Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis. This North African side is not just another team; they are the former club of the the current Sundowns coach Cardoso. They also delivered a semifinal heartbreak to Sundowns last season, ironically under Cardoso’s guidance.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will take on MC Alger as they aim to go all the way in the competition.
Cardoso said he didn’t want to face Pirates in order to avoid an early South African derby in the competition. He would like the two Betway Premiership sides to lock horns in the final of the Champions League.
WHY CARDOSO DIDN’T WANT TO GET PIRATES IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL DRAW
“I think it was clear that all the three teams that we could have picked were very strong,” Cardoso told the club’s media department.
“I didn’t want to play Pirates because I think that is much more beautiful for the competition that we don’t have, let’s say, a national game [South African derby for now], but we make it [continentally].
“So, it didn’t happen. Basically, there were two teams, Esperance and Al Hilal. And both of them are different teams but strong. Al Hilal secured a qualification unbelievably. They just lost points in the last match.
“Esperance also made a very good qualification. I think that we’re [facing] a strong team, but we are also a very strong team. So, ahead of us, there is a very nice quarterfinal, with two matches [first and second leg], and details will define, for sure, the outcome of the games.
“I hope that, indeed, we can arrive at that moment in the best shape with the best players available so that we can face the games with our best, almost strong squad.
“Obviously, I’m aware of the difficulties, and also, I’m aware of our capacity to overcome the opponents and to reach the next level. That’s obviously our objective and what we’re going to focus on in that moment.”
‘WHY NOT PLAY THE FINAL TOGETHER?’
Cardoso also sent his best wishes to Jose Riveiro’s team, emphasising that it would be exciting if both sides progressed to the semifinals and, ultimately, the final.
“It’s obvious that in this kind of international competition, you should expect that South African teams can do well,” he added.
“So, my expectation is that Orlando Pirates can do well. Why not face each other in the final? I know that it would be fantastic for South African football. I remember that I played myself a [UEFA] Europa League final [of both Portuguese teams] when I was in [Sporting] Braga against [FC] Porto.
“So, it was amazing to have that experience. It would be amazing to have a final with two South African teams. So, let’s work hard so that we can arrive at that moment, and why not play the final together?”
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