Miguel Cardoso, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, putting his players through their paces ahead of the CAF Champions League Final 1st Leg.
Image: BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his side must approach the CAF Champions League final intelligently when they host AS FAR at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.
The Brazilians are chasing a positive first-leg result before travelling to Morocco next weekend for the decisive return fixture.
“We will give the best in order to win it,” said Cardoso.
“It is a moment where we have to do things in the proper way. There is still the second match where everything will be decided and that is the mental state that we are in.”
Sundowns head into the final carrying huge expectations as they attempt to win the Champions League for only the second time in their history, ten years after lifting the trophy in 2016.
Cardoso admitted the occasion carries enormous significance but stressed the importance of staying emotionally balanced.
“We will enjoy the occasion, we know what are going to be the challenges and what it means. At the same time, we want to live in the moment.”
The Portuguese mentor will also be desperate to see improvement defensively after Sundowns conceded seven goals in their last two Betway Premiership matches.
The Tshwane giants first defeated Siwelele FC 7-4 before suffering a 3-2 defeat against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium in an unusually shaky defensive week.
That vulnerability has raised concern ahead of a final where away goals could prove decisive.
“In the Champions League, the away goals rule is a factor and it is important that we look for a positive result. Conceding at home has an impact on the away match but we want to make a good game,” Cardoso explained.
“There will be moments for everything, we will know very well what we will be looking for and try to find advantages. Both teams are highly capable, that’s why they are on this stage.”
Cardoso also urged his players to respect the demands of a Champions League final despite their experience on the continental stage.
“I will praise the work that the players have done but now we have to play this game with the respect that the final demands.”
“If we do it the right way, we are closer to having the possibility of taking something from the first match.”
“This game will be decided in the second leg in Morocco.”
The former Esperance coach reflected on the journey that has brought Sundowns to another continental final, describing it as both exhausting and rewarding.
“The journey has been hectic but we feel privileged as the coaching staff, the players and the rest of the club to be in back-to-back Champions League finals.”
“When I left Portugal two-and-a-half years ago to come to Africa, we had objectives and dreams. We worked hard to create conditions of working at clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns where we are able to fight for big things.”
“It is a moment of ambition for these two matches where we will fight until the last moment.”
Defender Aubrey Modiba believes the squad is mentally ready for the challenge.
“Preparations have gone very well and we are focusing on Sunday’s game,” said Modiba.
“God has granted us another Champions League final, for us is to make sure we try to focus on the match.”