Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes composure and discipline could prove decisive when the South African giants face AS FAR in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final in Pretoria.
The Portuguese tactician warned that emotions alone would not be enough against a disciplined Moroccan side as Sundowns prepare to host FAR Rabat at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
Cardoso, who is appearing in a third consecutive CAF Champions League final, stressed the importance of managing the occasion carefully ahead of the decisive return leg in Morocco next week.
“We will give the best in order to win it,” Cardoso said before the match.
“It is a moment where we have to do things in the proper way. There is still the second match where everything will be decided and that is the mental state that we are in.”
Sundowns head into the final carrying both expectation and pressure after establishing themselves as one of Africa’s dominant clubs in recent years.
However, memories of last season’s final defeat remain fresh for a squad determined to reclaim the continental title they last won in 2016.
Cardoso acknowledged that the away-goals rule could have a major influence on the tactical battle across both legs, especially with the second leg scheduled for Rabat.
“In the Champions League, the away goals rule is a factor and it is important that we look for a positive result,” he explained.
“Conceding at home has an impact on the away match but we want to make a good game.”
The Sundowns coach also highlighted the quality and experience of both finalists, insisting neither side had reached this stage by accident.
“There will be moments for everything, we will know very well what we will be looking for and try to find advantages. Both teams are highly capable, that’s why they are on this stage.”
Despite concerns over recent defensive struggles ; with Sundowns conceding seven goals in their last two domestic league matches — Cardoso remains confident his side can rise to the occasion in front of their supporters.
“We will enjoy the occasion, we know what are going to be the challenges and what it means,” he added. “At the same time, we want to live in the moment.”
The Portuguese manager also reflected on the significance of guiding Sundowns to consecutive Champions League finals, describing the achievement as the product of long-term planning and ambition.
“The journey has been hectic but we feel privileged as the coaching staff, the players and the rest of the club to be in back-to-back Champions League finals,” he said.
“When I left Portugal two-and-a-half years ago to come to Africa, we had objectives and dreams. We worked hard to create conditions of working at clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns where we are able to fight for big things.”
Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba echoed his coach’s confidence ahead of the showdown.
“Preparations have gone very well and we are focusing on Sunday’s game,” Modiba said.
“God has granted us another Champions League final, for us it is to make sure we try to focus on the match.”
The final will also feature a tactical duel between two Portuguese coaches, with Cardoso facing compatriot Alexandre Santos of AS FAR.
For Sundowns, the mission is clear secure a strong result in Pretoria before travelling to what is expected to be an intense atmosphere in Rabat for the decisive second leg.
But Cardoso knows fine margins often separate triumph from heartbreak at this level.
“This game will be decided in the second leg in Morocco,” he warned, underlining the scale of the challenge that still lies ahead.
