The UNFORGIVENESS shown by Mamelodi Sundowns in the recent Betway Premiership games is what could be the weapon of this team from Chloorkop, which is hidden as it enters the climax of the CAF Champions League.
This is the opinion of Miguel Cardoso who is the head coach of Sundowns who last won the Champions League 10 years ago, Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane is still there.
Sundowns, who are trying to win the South African league title for the ninth time in a row, have won the league up to 10 times without being interrupted by a draw.
Due to this form, Sundowns has returned to the top of the log and is the one that is predicted by many to take home the title even though there was a feeling that Orlando Pirates are showing signs of being strong enough to move it.
This weekend, Sundowns will stop in the league and face the first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League against Esperance Sportive de Tunis of Tunisia, Sunday at 9 pm, at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium, Rades.
This game is difficult in many ways for Sundowns but the priority is that Cardoso will face his old team.
It will be the third time in a row that these teams have met in the knockout stages of this competition since Cardoso’s Esperance eliminated Rulani Mokwena’s Sundowns in the semi-finals in the last two seasons.
Last year, it was Cardoso’s Sundowns who knocked out Esperance but in the quarterfinals.
Before turning his back on South Africa, Cardoso spoke to the media where he emphasized the message to his players about the importance of continuing the power they are showing in the South African league.
“The current time of the season doesn’t give us the opportunity to do a lot of research without trying to continue the way we are going in the league games,” said Cardoso.
“I agree that it is different from the Champions League, but the South African league is strong enough to help us face the challenges of playing in Africa.
“The way we are doing in the league is our weapon to win the tough battles we are entering as the competition is drawing to a close.
“All the players understand what is expected of them and most of them have the experience of facing the various difficulties of entering the fold of other teams that are considered to be hundreds in the history of African football,” said Cardoso.