Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is bracing for a challenging CAF Champions League group stage draw as his team advanced through the qualifiers with impressive performance.
The Sundowns secured their place in the group stages convincingly, defeating Remo Stars with a dominant 7–1 aggregate victory over two legs.
The Champions League group stage draw is scheduled for Monday at the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, which serves as CAF’s official broadcast partner.
“I’ve been analyzing the possible pots, which will be finalized once the remaining matches conclude,” Cardoso stated.
“The draw will significantly impact our outlook on the competitiveness of the tournament.
“However, history shows us that facing a supposedly weaker team can prove to be challenging, especially in away games.”
The Portuguese coach recalled last season’s results to illustrate the unpredictable nature of the competition.
“Last year, the team that was seen as the weakest in our group — Maniema — managed to earn a draw against us in our first home match,” he noted.
Cardoso foresees this year’s draw presenting similar hurdles.
“I anticipate a tricky draw ahead; there are formidable teams even in pots three and four,” he explained. “Some teams may not carry big names, yet they exhibit strong football, especially at home. We will require a bit of luck combined with the right attitude.
“To compete effectively in the Champions League, one must elevate their game to the highest standard — that’s the expectation.”
He pointed out that Sundowns will approach each match with ambition and consistency, which have characterized the club’s dominance in African football.
“In the last decade, only three clubs — Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Esperance — have reached the group stages ten times,” Cardoso remarked. “This illustrates the consistency and stature of this club. Qualifying was our initial goal, and now we must tackle the group stage with ambition in each match.”
Before fully shifting their focus to continental challenges, Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership matchup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
“We still have two matches to complete before the December break — one at home and one away,” Cardoso emphasized. “It’s crucial that we begin positively. However, for now, it’s time to turn attention from the Champions League and concentrate on our domestic commitments — that’s precisely what the players will do moving forward.”
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