Cardoso reveals Motsepe’s message after Sundowns’ CAF Champions League exit

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe offered strong support to the squad after their shock elimination from the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns were knocked out in the second round of qualifying by Angolan side Wiliete, who advanced on the away goals’ rule after the tie finished 1-1 on aggregate.

The early exit was particularly disappointing for a club that had reached two semi-finals and finals in recent years. Cardoso, who has also guided teams to three successive continental finals, admitted the result had affected everyone at Sundowns.

“Obviously we’re deeply sad, by us, by the club that played in the last years two semi-finals and finals. Myself as you may imagine three finals in a row,” Cardoso said.

The Portuguese coach was speaking after Sundowns responded with a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in their Carling Knockout Round of 16 match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Cardoso said the win was evidence of the character within his squad as the players attempted to recover from the disappointment and rebuild confidence.

He added that Sundowns needed to show their supporters that they remained committed to fighting for the club and its badge, despite the setback in Africa.

The coach also praised Motsepe for the way he addressed the players following the failed continental campaign, saying the chairman had provided the right motivation as the team turned its attention to the challenges ahead.

“The Chairman (Tlhopie Motsepe) was very supportive, he spoke with the team in the way he has to speak, in a way he finds always to speak in the right approach in my way of thinking, with the right motivation, looking forward to what we have ahead,” Cardoso said.

Sundowns turn attention to league

Although Cardoso acknowledged that Sundowns could not simply ignore the disappointment of their CAF Champions League exit, he stressed that the squad had to avoid remaining focused on what had already happened.

The victory against Gallants gave the players an opportunity to ease some of the emotional pressure surrounding the team and start restoring their belief, according to the 54-year-old coach.

Sundowns will now return their attention to the Betway Premiership when they host Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday evening.