Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says he is proud of his team’s achievements ahead of Sunday’s decisive CAF Champions League final second leg against AS FAR in Rabat.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Portuguese coach expressed confidence in his side’s preparation and underlined his familiarity with the Moroccan opponents.
Cardoso said he understood the qualities and level of AS FAR perfectly as Sundowns prepare to defend their narrow first-leg advantage in one of the biggest matches in African club football.
The South African champions travel to Morocco holding a 1-0 lead from the opening encounter in Pretoria, leaving the tie finely balanced heading into the return leg.
Despite the pressure expected from the home supporters in Rabat, Cardoso insisted his players were prepared for the occasion and capable of handling the atmosphere.
“This qualification is a great source of pride,” Cardoso said as he reflected on Sundowns’ run to the final.
The coach highlighted the difficulty of the club’s route through the knockout stages, with Sundowns overcoming several major opponents to reach the final.
Cardoso also stressed the importance of balance in the second leg, explaining that his side must remain disciplined defensively while continuing to impose their style of play when in possession.
According to the Sundowns coach, mastering every phase of the contest will be crucial if the club is to secure the continental title and bring the trophy back to South Africa.
The final also carries personal significance for Cardoso. The Portuguese tactician is seeking his first CAF Champions League title after losing in his previous two continental finals.
That experience, however, appears to have strengthened his determination ahead of the decisive encounter in Morocco.
Sundowns have built a reputation as one of Africa’s strongest clubs in recent years and now stand one match away from another major continental success.
The first-leg victory in Pretoria has given the South African side a slight advantage, but the margin remains narrow, ensuring the second leg is expected to be fiercely contested.
Cardoso acknowledged the scale of the occasion but suggested such environments are exactly what players and coaches strive for throughout their careers.
The atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is expected to be intense as AS FAR attempt to overturn the deficit in front of their home supporters.
For Sundowns, the challenge will be to maintain composure under pressure while protecting their lead and searching for opportunities to strengthen their position in the tie.
The club’s progress to the final has already been viewed as a major achievement, particularly given the level of opposition eliminated during the competition.
However, Cardoso made clear that the focus now is firmly on completing the task and securing African club football’s biggest prize.
Victory in Rabat would not only deliver another CAF Champions League crown for Sundowns but would also provide Cardoso with the first continental final triumph of his coaching career.
