Cardoso Calls for Calm Ahead of Sundowns' Tough Pyramids Test in CAFCL Final

• Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has send message to the Brazilians fans after their draw against Pyramids FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final
• The Portuguese manager is optimistic that his team can go to Egypt and get the important win that will secure the second Champions League title for the Pretoria giants this season
• The former Esperance of Tunisia mentor also admitted that the second leg of the final would be tough and the most responsibility ahead of the fixture rest on his shoulders

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called for calm ahead of their second-leg clash against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final.

The Betway Premiership champions failed to win the first leg despite having home advantage, as a late goal from Walid El-Karti cancelled out Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s opener, resulting in a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The Portuguese tactician led the Brazilians to their eighth successive Betway Premiership title this season after last two victories over Chippa United and Carling Knockout Cup champions Magesi FC.

Cardoso calls for calm ahead of Pyramids clash

Following the first-leg draw, Cardoso admitted the Brazilians were punished for a lapse in concentration at a critical moment but expressed confidence that they have what it takes to secure a positive result in Cairo, Egypt.

“We must not fail in the crucial moments like we did because these games are often decided by fine margins,” he said.

“It comes down to small details, but we have a strong group of players. I won’t respond emotionally; it’s time to rest, stay grounded, and gather the right energy.

“We must recognise the situation, we’re still very much in the tie, and we just have to believe. It took us a long journey to get here. It’s not time to give up but to find the energy to push forward.

“If this were a one-match final, we’d still have to fight on with 90 minutes left to play. So, let’s gather our strength and keep going. Of course, a 1-0 lead was preferable to a 1-1 draw, but we mustn’t feel defeated, that would be the biggest mistake.

“We know the second leg will be tough, and the responsibility lies mostly with me as I try to manage the game. But we will find the energy to continue, that’s for sure.”

The Premier Soccer League giants need to avoid defeat and a goalless draw in the second leg in order to be able to lift the trophy for the second time in their history this season.

Themba Zwane names his Player of the Season

Briefly News also reported that Themba Zwane has named his Player of the Season in the 2024-25 Betway Premiership campaign.

The South African international ignored his fellow Bafana Bafana stars to name his club teammate as his choice for the best player in the league this season.

Source: Briefly News