After winning the African-Asian-Pacific Championship and the MTN8 recently, Mamelodi Sundowns have set their sights on another title after learning their opponents in the Carling Knockout Cup.
The Brazilians were drawn against Marumo Gallants, and coach Miguel Cardoso did not mince his words about his desire to win the competition.
“A knockout match is always a special match. There is always some different energy, the atmosphere, the tension. No one likes to lose.
“This is a beautiful tournament. Carling is a brand with many, many years, and the trophy is so beautiful. As I said in the draw, everybody would like to lift it and put their name among the winners of this trophy,” said Cardoso.
The Portuguese coach acknowledged the demands of Sundowns’ busy fixture schedule, explaining that the club would need to manage its players carefully while remaining determined to win the competition.
“Obviously, as Mamelodi Sundowns, we need to understand that some of the fixtures come in between matches that are so important, and we need to manage our players to arrive at the strongest point, as strong as we can.
“But we would like to win the tournament, and we will do it. We will find the players to obviously always have a good squad, a strong squad. The ones that will put the shirt on will have to bear the badge of Mamelodi Sundowns.”
Sundowns will enjoy home advantage against Gallants, something Cardoso believes will work in his side’s favour given the amount of travelling they do.
“Playing at home gives us some comfort because we travel so much. Obviously, it avoids more exposure to trips and fatigue.
“But we also know Marumo by the history and last year’s history. Despite that match being a one-way match, there were no entries in our box. We also didn’t score, and that’s the story of the game: you have to put the ball in the net.”
Cardoso further reflected on the disappointment of the penalty shootout in that encounter, insisting that his side would be looking to avoid a repeat and secure qualification within the regulation 90 minutes.
“But then we got penalised in the penalty shootout, which we don’t want to repeat. Let’s try to make the game in 90 minutes, honour the badge, honour the competition, respect the opponent and respect the game as much as we can.”
Sundowns will now look to turn their ambitions into action as they begin their quest for another cup title under Cardoso.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
