Cardoso backs Sundowns’ Champions League experience to secure MTN8 glory

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes his side’s experience of winning the CAF Champions League can help them deal with the pressure of domestic competition after reaching the MTN8 final.

The Brazilians booked their place in the final against Orlando Pirates on 10 October with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Golden Arrows in the second leg of their semi-final at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

The result left the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate, but Mamelodi Sundowns progressed on the away goals rule.

Cardoso’s team lifted the CAF Champions League in May, and the manager said that success had helped them develop the mentality required to negotiate high-pressure matches.

“Obviously, having players that have experienced context in different ways that are able to be motivated and have a strong will to do the things well helps a lot,” Cardoso told the media during the post-match conference.

He said the continental campaign had prepared his players for situations in which small details could decide the outcome.

“Since we played in the CAF Champions League, we have grown used to this kind of context where it is very important not to suffer home goals, but we knew once we got the away goal that that would then put the pressure back on Arrows.

“It’s not easy to score three goals against Golden Arrows considering they did not concede a single goal before this match.

“They are a team who play with a lot of energy and defend with a lot of commitment. We had to build a positive attitude around this match after arriving here with a strong disadvantage.”

Mamelodi Sundowns must now balance their MTN8 progress with a demanding domestic schedule. They will host Milford at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday before returning to King Zwelithini Stadium to face Golden Arrows on Sunday.

Cardoso acknowledged that the fixture list would test his squad, particularly because Golden Arrows will have a full week to recover before the teams meet again.

“This is our fate. Wednesday, we have a match that comes from a fixture that we had to change in order to play international competitions, and Golden Arrows will rest throughout the week,” he said.

“But it’s also something that we have to manage. We are proud and happy to have those fixtures. It means we are fighting in a lot of tournaments and a lot of big things.”

The Sundowns coach also praised Marcelo Allende, who has been named man of the match in consecutive games. Cardoso hopes the midfielder can maintain that level when Milford visit Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

He said Allende’s consistency in South Africa had been impressive, while questioning why the player had not yet been recognised as the country’s best midfielder of the season.

“For me, it is surprising that he is performing consistently in SA for many years and still he has not received an award for the midfielder of the season, especially when we see a winger [Oswin Appollis] receiving that trophy.”