Miguel Cardoso urges Mamelodi Sundowns to focus on Wiliete challenge

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his players must treat their demanding 2026/27 campaign as a privilege while concentrating only on their next challenge.

Sundowns have already collected success in the MTN8 and the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, but their schedule offers little respite. Their next test comes in the CAF Champions League against Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening, with kick-off at 20:00.

The South African club are also competing in the Betway Premiership, CAF Super Cup, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup. Their FIFA Challenger Cup campaign could also lead to an appearance in the Intercontinental Cup final.

Cardoso believes the demands placed on Sundowns should strengthen their mentality rather than create anxiety.

“As players get experience, that sensation of a little bit of nerves fades because there then comes a sensation of the fact that we are able to do it,” said the Portuguese coach.

“The question in the locker room is much more about focusing on what they have to do, building the right attitude and getting the right energy between themselves.”

He said regularly appearing in important matches was evidence of Sundowns’ standing in the game.

“Our reality is a privilege because when you play permanently in decisive moments, it means that you are very high because it is not easy to arrive at a place where you have to play challenges like this every day,” Cardoso added.

“It means that you are competing for a lot.”

For Cardoso, the pressure surrounding the club’s many fixtures is a test of mindset rather than something to fear.

“It is more a mentality question rather than a worry. The team knows that it is capable, but the team also knows that it only happens if we play the best we can, and that is what we have to do,” he said.

“So, that is what we focus on and taking the best we can inside the pitch.”

Cardoso also stressed that Sundowns’ objectives later in the season would be determined by their daily work, rather than by looking too far into the future.

“What I need you to understand is that this team focuses on everyday life, day-by-day life,” he said.

“We don’t focus on what is going to happen in June.

“We need to understand that whatever will happen in April, May, June, has to do with what we do today.”

He said the players had embraced that approach before his arrival at the club.

“We just worry about Wiliete, there is nothing more on the horizon other than them, absolutely nothing,” Cardoso said.

“That is the mistake that losers sometimes make by looking too much ahead and don’t give importance to what they have to do immediately.

“We don’t go over that kind of mindset that can make us weaker.”