Mamelodi Sundowns turn full attention to Betway Prem title defence

The Brazilians progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals on Sunday, but will not play the next round until March, and will now have time to play catch-up in the Betway Premiership, where the currently hold a three-point lead at the top of the table.

They resume their league schedule against Magesi FC in Polokwane tomorrow night, before a Nedbank Cup round of 32 fixture against amateur outfit Sibanye Golden Stars on Saturday.

Cardoso is eager to put their continental travels on ice for now, and is confident they can build some momentum as they embark on their league title defence. 

"The team will be more strong to face what's ahead, but it's really time to close this [CAF Champions League group stage] door – mission accomplished, and very well done by the boys," said Cardoso

"It's bittersweet [finishing second in the group], yes, it's true, but that should always be energy to move forward and nothing more than that.

"It's so good to have that bittersweet feeling when you pass through the group stage in second position, obviously everyone knew in the last seven years the club went through, so there was a bit of a concern that we needed a result, and we did it.

"So, let's go now to prepare for the next two months, which will be very hard, for the championship in South Africa."

Meanwhile, the Sundowns mentor provided an update on talisman Themba Zwane, who has been sidelined by injury since October while on national team duty. 

"Themba is obviously an important player, not only for Sundowns but also for South African football as a national team player," noted the Portuguese coach.

"But no pressure on his recovery at all, there's still a long time to go, it's a very difficult injury – quite severe, and in this case the pressure on the situation is even worse.

"He's recovering well, according to what the programme says, but there's still some time to go for sure [before he can make a return]."

READ: Players character to play crucial role in title race - Miguel Cardoso