Cardoso says Sundowns were already a ‘big monster’ before Champions League triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says the club’s status has not changed since winning the CAF Champions League for a second time, insisting they were already viewed as a “big monster” before lifting the trophy.

The defending champions are under pressure after being held to a goalless draw by Wiliete in the first leg of their second-round tie in Angola on Sunday.

Sundowns must now win the second leg against the Angolan side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday evening if they are to continue their title defence.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference at Chloorkop, Cardoso was asked by KickOff whether Sundowns felt different after their continental success last season.

“It is absolutely the same as it was before,” Cardoso said. “Sundowns was a big team before winning the CAF Champions League for the second time.

“In the previous (2024/25) season we played the final, and in the previous two seasons the semi-finals.”

Cardoso, who previously managed Esperance de Tunis, said his own view of Sundowns had been shaped by facing them before taking charge of the South African club.

“I remember when I came to play against Mamelodi Sundowns, I was looking at Sundowns as a big monster, big, big team,” the Portuguese coach said.

“So nothing changes, just put a star that should change nothing.”

Sundowns won the CAF Champions League for the second time in the club’s history last season, but Cardoso said the team’s focus should not be on how opponents perceive them.

“The question here is not how the others see us,” he said. “The question is how we stick, stay humble, to understand how we have to fight in this competition and in all competitions.

“That is what is important. It is how we see ourselves. How you want to show yourself.”

Cardoso also stressed the importance of the players’ attitude and willingness to work during their campaign.

“How you want to be, who you want to be, how much you are willing to give,” he said.

“I don’t want to show you the words we wrote there on the board but this Champions League had a lot to do, not just with the expression of quality but a lot to with commitment, compromise and fighting.”

The coach’s comments came as Sundowns prepare for a decisive second meeting with Wiliete, having been unable to take an advantage from the opening match in Angola.