Miguel Cardoso Urges Mamelodi Sundowns to Stay Alert Ahead of CAF Champions League Group Stage Draw

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has cautioned his players against underestimating any opponent ahead of the CAF Champions League group stage draw, which takes place next Monday in Johannesburg.

Sundowns are the only South African club left in the competition after Orlando Pirates were eliminated by DR Congo’s St Eloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium. The Brazilians secured their place in the group stages with a convincing 7-1 aggregate win, showing their dominance and consistency on the continent.

Despite the emphatic qualification, Cardoso stressed that the group stage presents a completely different challenge. He pointed to last season’s experience as a reminder that reputation means little in Africa’s top club competition.

“Sometimes we think that we are going to play a team that does not have a name, but it’s difficult when we play away,” Cardoso said after Sundowns’ win over Remo Stars at Loftus Stadium.

He reflected on last season’s campaign, when Sundowns were drawn in Group B with Raja Casablanca, AS FAR Rabat, and Maniema Union. Many viewed Maniema as the weakest side, yet the Congolese outfit made life tough for the Tshwane club.

“The first match against Maniema was at home and ended in a draw. With five minutes before the end of the away game, we were losing 1-0 and out of the group stage. Then Peter Shalulile scored two goals, and we went through,” Cardoso said.

Sundowns eventually finished second in their group with nine points, one ahead of Raja Casablanca, to reach the quarterfinals. Cardoso said that experience should serve as a warning that no fixture in the competition can be taken lightly.

“What I expect is a draw that can be tricky and very difficult. There will be teams in pot three and four that have powerful football. Even if they don’t have famous names, they can be difficult to play against, especially away from home. We need to take the competition as serious as it is,” he added.

Sundowns have been one of Africa’s most consistent teams in recent years. They have reached the Champions League group stages in every season since 2016, winning the title in 2016 and regularly advancing to the knockout rounds. Cardoso, who took over the reins this season, has made it clear that maintaining that standard is non-negotiable.

His side will now turn their attention back to domestic football, where they face Orlando Pirates in a high-profile Betway Premiership clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. The fixture will serve as an important test before they embark on another demanding continental campaign.

With Cardoso’s emphasis on focus, adaptability, and respect for every opponent, Sundowns will be aiming not only to progress beyond the group stages but also to position themselves as strong contenders for another CAF Champions League crown.