Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has outlined his approach for the first leg against Angolan outfit Wiliete SC in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
The Chloorkop-based giants are set to lock horns with Wiliete away in Angola, determined to secure a positive result that will set them up nicely for a spot in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
Sundowns enter the tie seeking to defend their continental crown and win back-to-back Champions League titles following their glorious campaign last season. Before that triumph, the Tshwane giants endured a decade-long drought in the competition, last lifting the prestigious trophy in 2016 under current Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane.
Masandawana head into the fixture riding high on confidence after claiming the MTN8 title with a convincing 2-0 victory over rivals Orlando Pirates in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
SUNDOWNS APPROACHING WILIETE WITH RESPECT
Despite their recent success and pedigree as defending Champions League champions, Cardoso emphasised that the Brazilians will treat Wiliete with the utmost respect.
“First of all, thank you very much for the way you received us. We understand the level of this match and the importance of these qualifying rounds,” Cardoso said.
“There are two legs, and the first match is absolutely important to start and finish the qualifying rounds. We know that Wiliete is one of the best in their country [Angola].
“So we face this match with a lot of respect; respect that is mutual, and we also respect ourselves. We will put our best on the pitch, and we take nothing for granted because we understand how professional we have to be. So the preparations have been quite okay, and we are going to have a good match.”
In their previous match, Sundowns claimed a thrashing 4-1 win against Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership to remain at the top of the league table.
As it stands, Downs lead the log with 23 points, having won seven matches and drawn twice in nine league games so far.
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