Mamelodi Sundowns' Miguel Cardoso under pressure to deliver continental dominance

“Champions League football starts in the knockout stage!” Those were the sentiments of legendary South African coach Pitso Mosimane a few seasons ago.

Mosimane was suggesting that while teams may excel in the group stages of CAF competition, their true character is only tested when the "real" contenders are separated from the pretenders in the knockout rounds.

As it turns out, Mosimane was right. Many teams that dominate their groups often struggle against continental heavyweights later on, resulting in the usual "favourites" reaching the semi-finals. However, it seems Mosimane’s former employers, Mamelodi Sundowns, did not entirely heed his message.

They sacked Manqoba Mngqithi early last season following a series of struggles, including a below-par start to their continental campaign after drawing their opening two matches.

Enter his successor, Miguel Cardoso. The Portuguese coach rode his luck throughout the tournament, grinding out narrow wins only to stumble at the final hurdle, losing to Egyptian side Pyramids in the final.

Despite retaining him — amid murmurs that the club has been discussing a potential return for Mosimane in recent weeks — the board expects Cardoso to be convincing throughout the tournament and go all the way this season.

Sundowns have made a decent start, collecting four points from their first two matches to sit top of the standings on goal difference, ahead of second-placed Al Hilal.

The Brazilians will be eager to create some breathing space between themselves and the Sudanese side when they meet at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night (8pm kick-off), a task that should be aided by the return of several regulars.

Sundowns had at least six players—five with Bafana Bafana and one with Zimbabwe—competing at the recently concluded AFCON. To afford them extended rest, only Bafana’s No. 1, Ronwen Williams, returned to the starting line-up for the 2–0 Betway Premiership win over Orbit College on Monday.

Williams’ influence was immediately evident, holding the team together while 19-year-old debutant Thato Sibisi scooped the Player of the Match award and fellow debutant Bryan Leon found the back of the net.

The clash against Al Hilal will provide a stern test of Sundowns’ character. Cardoso, who has no injury concerns, is expected to recall Bafana wing-backs Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau, while Zimbabwean talisman Divine Lunga is likely to wait in the wings.

Midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas, who frequently partnered each other for Bafana at the continental showpiece, are also set to return — if not in the starting XI, then certainly in the match-day squad.

The returning sextet may be disappointed by their respective national campaigns — Bafana crashed out in the last 16 while Zimbabwe exited in the group stage — but the invaluable experience gained should benefit the Brazilians in continental competition.

Sundowns are yearning for continental glory more than any other piece of silverware this season, especially after winning seven consecutive domestic league titles. This is why Cardoso cannot afford to falter or subscribe to the sentiment that the tournament only truly begins in the knockouts.

He must impress in every fixture, particularly with a serial winner like Mosimane reportedly waiting in the wings.