Mamelodi Sundowns seek Carling Knockout response after Champions League exit

Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their attempt to recover from a damaging CAF Champions League exit when they meet Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout last 16 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday.

Sundowns were eliminated after a 1-1 draw with Angola’s Wiliete SC on Friday in the second preliminary round, ending their hopes of defending the title. The result was a major disappointment for coach Miguel Cardoso and his squad.

Cardoso said Sundowns must now concentrate fully on the competitions that remain, beginning with the Carling Knockout and then the league before their Super Cup fixture against USM Alger of Algeria at Loftus Versfeld on November 8.

“For the rest of the season, it means that we have to focus even more on the competitions that we have to play,” Cardoso said.

“We already have a qualifying match for the Carling Knockout on Tuesday, and then we have the important championship match [against Durban City] on Saturday.

“And then we have a Super Cup final to play, so there are a lot of trophies to play for; obviously we won’t forget what it means to be out of the Champions League.”

Sundowns have already won the MTN8 and the Fifa African-Asian Pacific Cup this season, while they are leading the league in South Africa. However, retaining the CAF Champions League had been their primary objective.

Cardoso acknowledged the significance of the failure, having guided the club to the final in each of the previous three seasons. He also said the elimination was particularly painful because Sundowns had been expected to reach the group stage for a 10th consecutive time.

“It is hard for the club, and it is hard for the coaches, as you can imagine,” he said. “For me, it is hard after being in the final three years in a row, and it is hard for the club, as it was supposed to be the 10th straight time in the group stage.

“Maybe it is an important lesson to look ahead, and we need to focus ahead.”

The Portuguese coach said the manner in which Sundowns respond to the setback would determine whether it ultimately strengthens the team.

“We have won two trophies, and we’re leading the league in South Africa, but this one is a big knockout,” he said.

“It’s a big punch in our face. What will make us stronger is how we’ll react, because there are so many things to win.

“As I understand it, when we win, everybody wins, and when we lose, everybody loses. There are many reflections that we have to do together, but what will speak for Sundowns is the greatness that will come after this defeat.”