MAMELODI Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso happy to evade Orlando Pirates as he looks ahead to Esperance in the Caf Champions League. Picture: Itumeleng English, Independent Newspapers
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed his satisfaction with the quarter-final draw of the CAF Champions League, which sees his side face Esperance de Tunis, a club he previously guided to the final.
Conducted in Doha on Thursday, the draw allowed Sundowns to steer clear of a potentially fiery encounter against local rivals Orlando Pirates, who will be playing Algerian side MC Alger in their own quarter-final tie.
Having steered Esperance to the finals of the Champions League during the 2023/24 season, Cardoso has first-hand experience of the fierce competition within the tournament.
It was under his leadership that Sundowns were eliminated in the semi-finals, boosting Esperance's ascent until they were ultimately quelled by Egyptian giants Al-Ahly in the final encounter.
In reflecting on the draw, Cardoso acknowledged the strength of all potential opponents.
“I think it was clear that all three teams we could’ve faced were very strong. I didn’t want to play Orlando Pirates because I think it’s much more beautiful for the competition that we don’t have, let’s say, a national game," he stated.
The upcoming clash against Esperance promises to be a test of strength and strategy as the two clubs prepare for a two-legged showdown commencing on April 1, with the return leg set for April 8.
Given his previous connections with Esperance, Cardoso remarked on the anticipation surrounding a head-to-head clash that haunted Sundowns in previous seasons.
The Brazilians have beaten the Tunisian giants just once so far and have suffered three defeats in the last five meetings with the other two games drawn.
"We have a nice quarter-final ahead of us in two matches and details will define the outcome of the games,“ said Cardoso.
“I hope we can arrive at that moment in the best shape and have the best players available so that we can face the game in our best and strongest squad."
Despite his prior success with Esperance, Cardoso admits his insights have been somewhat limited since he parted ways with the club.
"The team has changed a little bit now with the market in January, so we have to take a look at the players. I must confess that I didn’t watch them anymore after I left to come here," he explained.
Following the team's results from afar, he noted that they currently sit atop their league table, attesting to their quality even amidst a less challenging qualification group.
Cardoso's focus remains firmly on preparing Sundowns for the matches ahead, seeking to harness the talents of his squad while acknowledging the experience and effectiveness that Esperance has demonstrated historically in the tournament.
"They've reached the last stages of the Champions League and won it several times. They always have the will to do well, but I think we should worry about ourselves," he concluded.