Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Miguel Cardoso has adopted a cautious approach, dismissing growing talk of a potential CAF Champions League triumph for the Brazilians.
The Brazilians are in the quarter-finals of Africa’s elite club competition. They have one foot in the semi-finals after beating Stade Malien 3-0 in the first leg of the last-eight at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening.
It was a huge stride by Masandawana ahead of next week’s trip to Mali for the away leg. To some, it was a statement of intent by Sundowns, who were the losing finalists in this tournament last season.
After enduring a difficult campaign in the group stage, including going four successive matches without a win at one point, Masandawana have shown character in their last two Champions League outings. That, combined with a seven-match winning streak in the Betway Premiership, paints a picture of a resurgent side keen to sweep aside everything in its way.
The recent run of form has Sundowns back in discussions about reclaiming their indomitable character and becoming favourites to be crowned African champions for the first time since 2016.
But Cardoso has declined to entertain talk about his men being champions in the making, saying it’s too early to tell. The Portuguese coach’s cautious approach could be justified by the fact that, should Sundowns get past Stade Malien, a tough challenge awaits them in the semi-finals. They would meet the winner of the match between his former team, Esperance, and record African champions Al Ahly.
CARDOSO TEMPERS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXPECTATIONS ON SUNDOWNS
“I think we are very far away from discussing winning whatever in this competition. The only thing we can discuss at the moment is how we are going to play Marumo Gallants on Tuesday,” said Cardoso.
“After that, we think about the Stade Malien match in Mali, and then we need to go to rest. From there, we think about the rest of the season. If our mindset gets out of the next match, maybe we will fall somewhere.
“We need to focus on the next one and then the next one. From my part, in this house, in my locker room with my players, my thoughts, the thoughts I want them to have is on the next match.
“What is important to understand is that 3-0 is just a result. Football history has a lot of comebacks from results like this one. If we don’t go to Mali with a serious approach and a very strong team, with the right mindset, we can have a lot of bad taste in the mouth.”
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