Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso sums first few days at Chloorkop

By Mazola Molefe
13th December 2024

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says although this week has been a roller-coaster ride, he’s had to make the most out of it in preparation for Raja Casablanca on Sunday.

The Brazilians resume their CAF Champions League group stage campaign with a home fixture against their North African counterparts having only managed two points prior to Manqoba Mngqithi being sacked.

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Cardoso summed up the first few days at Chloorkop.

''So we had to pick the team from the point where it was, sharpen it and polish it. In order to get what we are trying to mold. But starting with getting players out of the comfort zone, so that as a team we can grow. So each of them can express their best,'' said Cardoso.

The Portuguese mentor revealed he has been leaving the training base at 9pm.

''Regarding my week. What a week, not a lot of time. Today I received a message from my brother he said I know you don't have time, know you didn't forget about me - when you have time we will talk. I left the training center at 9pm, I left every time under rain. Would go to dinner and still work afterwards, but I am excited about that, that is what we love and that is what drives us. We have an opponent that has value, they play in a tough competition. We have to analyse details that we can gain from, we just need polish on the technical side of the game,'' added Cardoso.

Cardoso agreed that facing Sundowns in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League last season gave him a slight advantage in that he’d already profiled the bulk of the squad.

''Obviously I knew the players, and have tried to study them even more. Also I have an idea about the team. I am happy that we have a very strong group of players, when someone falls, we then have someone to step up. We need that attitude and fluidity even in the game, we want to impose ourselves. The team that impose, is the team that wants to win the game. We have to be offensive and be aggressive,'' he expressed.

The former Esperance de Tunis mentor also weighed in on Group B of the Champions League, which includes Raja Casablanca, AS FAR – both from Morocco – and AS Maniema Union from DR Congo.