Sundowns coach Cardoso reacts to facing former side ES Tunis
Mamelodi Sundowns’ second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League title hopes were agonisingly dashed in the semi-finals last season, with the man who orchestrated the heartache now sitting at the helm of the club that is aiming to emulate the 2016 success under then coach, Pitso Mosimane.
The South Africans have another chance at going all the way this season after the quarter-finals draw of the competition saw them paired with Espérance Sportive de Tunis - former club of Sundowns coach, Miguel Cardoso who guided the Tunisians to a silver medal last season.
The north versus south duel will see the South Africans playing host to the first leg on 2 April, before travelling up north a few days later for the return leg in Tunis on 8 April.
Reacting to facing his former side in the quarter-finals, the Portuguese tactician said he was aware of the magnitude of the opponent and the weight of the fixture, but emphasised the importance of focusing on his sides’ strengths.
“The team changed a little bit now in January. After I left Espérance, I didn’t watch nothing regarding how they play. Obviously, I follow the results but not the games. I know they are doing well. They are a team with experience and has been reaching the last stages of the Champions League and that has won it several times and always has the will to do well but I think we should worry about ourselves and do well in the two games” cautioned the coach.
“Obviously there are emotions that come to me in the moment. We performed very well while we were there but for the moment, my emotions are with Sundowns and to do well here. I know it will be tight no doubt. Last year was very tight but I believe it will be beautiful to see. Both teams play good football, both teams are positive in how they approach the game. The ambience in Tunis for the Champions League is beautiful and I hope that it will energise us to do well but also here it is beautiful, so I hope our fans will fill our stadiums and give us the extra energy to get the result” concluded Cardoso.
The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League draw produced other intriguing and unpredictable ties, which will see record champions, Al Ahly SC taking on Al Hilal, Pyramids FC facing AS FAR as well as MC Alger against Orlando Pirates.
Following the quarter-final draw, the semi-final line-up was also determined.
The winner of the clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance will face either Al Ahly or Al Hilal, while the victor between MC Alger and Orlando Pirates will meet the winner of the Pyramids versus AS FAR tie.