Cardoso vows Sundowns will fight on after Champions League exit

Miguel Cardoso has promised Mamelodi Sundowns supporters that the club will continue to compete for every remaining trophy after their unexpected CAF Champions League elimination.

Sundowns were knocked out after drawing 1-1 with Angola’s Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld. Wiliete SC advanced on the away-goals rule, leaving the Tshwane club out of the Champions League group stages for the first time since 2015.

The result represents a significant setback for Sundowns, but Cardoso said it would not derail their season. He called on the team to respond with strength and determination as they remain involved in other competitions.

“We had a big setback, we had an important moment that we should have accomplished and we didn’t,” said Cardoso, as per Mahlatse Mphahlele.

“So, we need to deal with that and the only thing we can do is be as strong as we can.

“That’s the promise I can make to Mamelodi Sundowns fans is how we gonna push, to fight for everything we can, we don’t promise nothing, but we promise work and determination and a lot of commitment.

“We need them, the energy from the fans. We need everybody to be positive around the team. We have been suffering a lot of losses [injuries], but players are coming back, we are continuing.”

Cardoso acknowledged the disappointment of failing to reach the group stage, but said the squad would focus on recovering and maintaining its efforts in the competitions still available to Sundowns.

He also highlighted the impact of injuries on the team, while noting that players were beginning to return as the club looked to move forward.