Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says his side is fully prepared for the challenge of Saint Éloi Lupopo as they begin their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group C campaign on Saturday.
With the opener taking place in Tshwane, Cardoso underlined the need to set the right tone from the start and avoid repeating past mistakes. He noted that each Champions League match tells its own story and stressed that Sundowns must ensure this opening chapter sets a strong foundation.
“First match of the group stage, obviously every match will have a story, but we have to write the right one on this one. First home match, a good start is important. We have been working very hard since we finished the last match to arrive in the best condition possible,” Cardoso said.
The coach revealed that they have studied Saint Éloi Lupopo closely and are aware of the specific threats they present. “Most of all, we must understand how to play against this team. It has its particularities, its way of playing, its own characteristics. We must know how to exploit their weaknesses and avoid the things they can use to trouble us.”
Cardoso also recalled last season’s disappointment, when Sundowns failed to win their opening home match against Maniema Union, a result that affected their rhythm for the rest of the group stage.
“We remember very well what happened last year when Mamelodi Sundowns was not able to beat Maniema at home. From there, it hunted the team throughout the group stage.”
Focused on avoiding a repeat, he urged his players to start with sharpness and authority from the first whistle. “We want to make a good start. A good start begins with the referee’s whistle. The players available to start will be very strong and very powerful in pursuing the result we want.”
Kick-off at Loftus Stadium on Saturday is at 15:00 local time (13:00 GMT).
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