Cardoso demands professionalism as Sundowns begin Wiliete SC tie

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has told his players to produce a professional display when they face Wiliete SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie in Angola on Sunday.

The South African side are seeking a result that will give them an advantage before the return match in Pretoria. Cardoso says Sundowns must strike a balance between finding the net and protecting their goal in the away fixture.

The Portuguese coach has previous experience of football in Angola. During his time as an assistant coach at Sporting CP, he travelled to the country when the Portuguese club played a friendly against Petro de Luanda.

“It’s been a long while since I was here, I was an assistant coach of Sporting, we played a friendly against Petro de Luanda, so being here is another opportunity, it’s an honour to be in Angola,” he said.

Cardoso said Sundowns had studied Wiliete SC carefully and would not underestimate a side he described as one of Angola’s leading clubs. He also emphasised that the tie would be determined over two matches.

“We understand the level of Wiliete, and the importance of this qualifying round over two legs. The first match, we must try not to concede and score, it’s important so then we can finish it in the home match in Pretoria,” Cardoso added.

The coach said respect for Wiliete SC would not diminish Sundowns’ confidence, but insisted his team understood the level of discipline and focus required to progress.

“It’s one of the best clubs in the country, we understand very well the team we are playing against, we studied them very well, we face this qualifying round with respect. But at the same time, the respect is mutual, we respect ourselves.

“So we will try to put, and we will put the best we can on the pitch, we don’t take anything for granted, we understand how professional we have to be. It’s a team with quality players, so we need to be at our best level, and do everything in our reach. Our preparation has been okay and we hope to have a good match.”

Sundowns will return to Pretoria for the second leg after Sunday’s opening encounter. Kick-off in Angola is scheduled for 17h00.