Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says his thoughts have already turned to the league title race, even as the club celebrated reaching a second CAF Champions League final.
Sundowns sealed their place in the final with a 2-0 aggregate semi-final win over Espérance de Tunis, but Cardoso was quick to remind his squad that a punishing domestic schedule demands immediate attention, with seven matches in 21 days standing between them and the end of the league season.
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The Portuguese coach also reflected on the fine margins that have separated continental glory in each of his previous finals appearances, insisting that it’s more than quality that wins the silverware.
“I don’t know if you remember, the first final we played was against Al Ahly with Esperance, we suffered an own goal from a corner, a ball fell in the box, hit the foot of my player and went inside,” Cardoso said.
“In the last minute we had a penalty, a clear penalty that was not given, that could have given us the trophy – the margins are like this [small]. Last year, we fought until the last minute for an away goal that could have given us the cup, we suffered a late goal at home.
“It could have made us go to Cairo in a more comfortable position, it’s again small margins whether we win or lose. We will fight to win for sure – and until the last minute we will be very committed to that.”
Back To Title Race With Pirates
Despite the enormity of reaching his third straight continental final, Cardoso was firm that the squad cannot afford to dwell on the achievement, with Stellenbosch the immediate priority when Sundowns return to league action on Wednesday.
Pirates were in action on Saturday, with the simultaneous kickoff as Sundowns continental action, as they beat AmaZulu 3-0 to move back to the summit of the league – albeit having played two games more.
“And having a positive approach is always very important. Look one thing that’s in my head now is Stellenbosch on Wednesday, nothing more in my head! I will sleep very well, have dinner with my assistants, and then Stellenbosch [focused],” he continued.
“After Stellenbosch, it’s Richards Bay, after Richards Bay, Polokwane, and after Polokwane, Polokwane – that’s what we have to do, seven matches in 21 days, nobody in the world, but we will do it. That’s my thoughts.”
Sundowns are locked in a title race with Orlando Pirates as the Betway Premiership season enters its critical closing stages, making every point in their remaining fixtures as consequential as any continental result.
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