Cardoso wants Sundowns to turn Caf disappointment into domestic success

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says the club’s early exit from the Caf Champions League can motivate them to challenge for domestic honours they have failed to win in recent seasons.

Sundowns responded to their continental setback by beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout.

The result ended a difficult period for Masandawana, whose main target had been to defend their continental crown. They had already won the MTN8 and the Fifa African Asian-Pacific Cup this season, but failed to reach the group stages of the Caf Champions League.

Cardoso’s side will now turn their attention to adding the Carling Knockout to their list of trophies.

“I think we are in a very good spot. I don’t remember in the past years to have a team arriving at this moment with two trophies and many more to play for,” Cardoso said.

“We have to take this as an opportunity to be better in other competitions where in the past years we could not. Let’s show character and make it so that in the end we can say maybe it was worth it.”

The Portuguese coach said the victory over Gallants was an important response to the disappointment in Africa and a demonstration of the team’s determination to their supporters.

“As soon as we understood what needed to be done in the future, that’s when we started collecting energy,” he said.

“That’s why I spoke about the proof of character to win this match and show people we’re alive. Even though we didn’t play the way we wanted to, we needed to tell our fans we will fight for this badge.

“It was important to win immediately after the last match. It was important to show our fans commitment, show them that we need them and they can count on us.”

Cardoso also revealed that Sundowns chair Tlhopie Motsepe had offered his backing following the club’s failure in the Caf Champions League.

“The chair was very supportive. He spoke to the team with the right approach and with the right motivation to look forward to what we have,” Cardoso said.

“It’s too late to cry over spilt milk, but that doesn’t mean we don’t recognise the moment or what happened.”

Sundowns next face Durban City in the Betway Premiership at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday at 8.15pm.

Betway Premiership fixtures

Friday

Gallants v Siwelele, Royal Bafokeng (7.30pm).

Saturday

Pirates v Chiefs, FNB Stadium (3.30pm);

Milford v Sekhukhune, Sugar Ray Xulu (3.30pm);

Stellenbosch v Chippa, Danie Craven (6pm);

AmaZulu v Arrows, Princess Magogo (6pm);

Polokwane v Galaxy, Old Peter Mokaba;

Kruger v Bay, Mbombela (8.15pm);

Sundowns v Durban, Royal Bafokeng (8.15pm).