Mamelodi Sundowns coach Cardoso has called for full respect for Wiliete SC as the defending champions try to secure another appearance in the Champions League group stages.
The Angolan club held Sundowns to a 0-0 draw in Lubango on Sunday, leaving Wiliete with a significant opportunity to complete a major upset in the second leg in Pretoria.
Sundowns have reached the group stages in every edition since 2016, but Cardoso knows that record is under pressure. Their last failure came in 2015, when TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) eliminated them 3-2 on aggregate.
Wiliete will arrive in South Africa in strong form. They have won five and drawn one of their first six matches in Angola’s top-flight Girabola, while conceding only two goals.
Cardoso said Sundowns’ approach to the second leg would be comparable to their preparation for a final.
“The level of preparation we are going to put in is the same as for an important final,” he said.
The coach does not regard the first-leg draw as a setback, but warned that Wiliete’s record means they cannot be underestimated.
“I don’t look at the fact that we drew away as a negative and I am saying that with all due respect. The last time Sundowns played against Petro de Luanda from Angola, they were knocked out of the Champions League [in the 2021-22 quarterfinals].
“This team is on top of the log in Angola, they have conceded only two goals in the matches they have played. They are as qualified as the team of Petro Luanda.
“I said it when the draw came out that it was not a kind one for us but Sundowns will stand for its level. We arrived in Angola and produced a result that puts us in the match and we just need to finish it.”
Wiliete showed their competitiveness in the opening match, reinforcing Cardoso’s belief that continental football provides no straightforward fixtures.
“Is it not going to be easy because there are no easy things in the Champions League. If we think it’s going to be easy, we would be misjudging the situation.
“I think there have been difficult qualification round matches in the past and we have to fight for it. We are gathering the energy, mentality and connection and we will find the best ones to start the match and those who are going to help us to finish it and we will move forward from there.”
Cardoso also outlined the qualities he expects from the visitors, highlighting their pace and organisation.
“They have quick players in the front. This team needs to be respected and I showed that respect to them from the beginning.
“[Having said that] I don’t want my players to show too much respect to anyone inside the four lines. That will mean respect for ourselves is higher than what you have for the opponents. It is just when you recognise the weaknesses of the opponents that you can exploit them.
“They have quick players, they can use the wings to attack, they have energy in the middle, they have centrebacks that are stable.
“They don’t overlap a lot on the sides and they can play a good zonal game.”
