Cardoso warns Sundowns they face a stern Champions League test at Wiliete

Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso has warned his side not to underestimate Wiliete as they begin the defence of their CAF Champions League title in Angola on Sunday.

The Brazilians will face the Angolan club in the second preliminary round, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm. Wiliete have made an unbeaten start to the domestic season and currently lead the Girabola standings with 16 points from six matches.

That form has convinced Cardoso that Sundowns face a more demanding contest than their opponents’ limited continental profile might suggest.

“We should respect this qualifying round in a very strong and aggressive way. The draw was not friendly,” Cardoso said.

“Sometimes we face teams where we know, ‘We will do it’, but this is a tough one, and they (Wiliete) are leading the Angolan championship.

“After we arrived back from Durban, we were already studying them, and it’s obvious that they’re a team that will create problems for us, and we need to be focused.”

Sundowns were given a bye through the first preliminary round because of their high seeding. Wiliete, meanwhile, reached the second round after defeating Seychelles side Foresters 5-0 on aggregate.

The away first leg comes during a busy period for the South African champions, who have recently had to balance their MTN8 triumph over Orlando Pirates with a Betway Premiership fixture against Richards Bay.

That congested schedule is forcing Cardoso to consider how best to manage his squad before the domestic and continental demands intensify further. The Portuguese coach has already asked supporters to trust the technical team’s decisions over team selection.

He said rotation would be based on players’ fitness, readiness and motivation as Sundowns seek to maintain their standards while allowing the squad sufficient time to recover.

Sundowns trained at Chloorkop with non-playing squad member Reyaad Pieterse leading the proceedings.

The defending champions will hope to secure an advantage in Angola before the return fixture, but Cardoso has made clear that Wiliete’s early-season record makes them a serious threat.

After six matches, the home side remain unbeaten in the Girabola, while Sundowns must contend with the additional demands of playing away from home and managing a packed schedule.

How effectively they deal with that challenge will shape their Champions League campaign at its earliest stage. For Cardoso, the priority is ensuring that the South African side approach the tie with concentration rather than confidence based solely on reputation or seeding.