Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is aware of the high expectations on his side going into the Carling Knockout Cup first round and admits the pressure to win competitions.
The Brazilians host Marumo Gallants at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday [8:00 PM] as they bid to win the tournament they lost in the final to Magesi FC last season. It was a big upset which cost Cardoso’s predecessor, Manqoba Mngqithi, his job.
They are now trying to win their first piece of silverware this season, having failed to clinch the MTN8 title Since taking over as Masandawana coach in December 2024, Cardoso has missed out on the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 but has an opportunity to win his first cup competition in South Africa in the form of the Carling Knockout.
Heightening expectations on Sundowns is that they last claimed a domestic Cup title during the 2021/22 season when they lifted the Nedbank Cup.
“We are heading to another competition, and there are high expectations that are equal to the demands. As Mamelodi Sundowns, we are obligated to win competitions,” said Casrdoso.
“We recently played Marumo Gallants away from home in the league. We have seen how they have been playing, so a tough game is expected as they are a tough opponent. As Sundowns, we have been preparing the best way. We have had a chance this week to prepare well, so we should be able to meet the demands of the game.”
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Sundowns and Gallants have already met this season in the Betway Premiership and that match ended 1-1 at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium mid-September.
Bahlabane ba Ntwa frustrated the Tshwane giants and are a side known to have beaten in-form Orlando Pirates and recently held Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 in league matches this season. That makes them a side that can potentially upset the Brazilians.
“Sundowns cannot be the same team that played against them [Gallants] last time because we will get the same result,” the Portuguese tactician added.
“We need to be different from what we were then. And we need to be more aggressive, mature, and have more control. We also need to have the capacity to understand the game. We, however, do not expect a different Marumo Gallants because that’s how they play.
“The players know what kind of game we have in hand, and we just need to make it different for us to get a different result.”
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