Portuguese coach Miguel Cardozo of Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed that his team is ready to play a great match against Pyramids tomorrow, Saturday, in the return leg of the CAF Champions League final, emphasizing that the confrontation requires high concentration on all playing details inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex.
Cardozo’s statements came during the pre-match press conference, where he explained that his team is required to handle various moments of the match well, whether during ball possession or in periods when the opponent imposes its pace.
He added that “defense can sometimes be the strongest and most aggressive moments when players are committed and well-organized,” stressing that the identity of Sundowns is not limited to attacking play only but also includes the ability for collective defense and dealing with set pieces both defensively and offensively, considering that such decisive matches require high tactical discipline and small details that make the difference.
The Portuguese coach continued emphasizing the importance of the fans in such major football occasions, explaining that players live to play matches of this kind, stressing that football gains its true value from the presence of fans, and playing in an enthusiastic atmosphere is much better than matches held without crowd support.
In a related context, the South African team’s coach urged the importance of maintaining sportsmanship inside and outside the field, noting that the African continent will once again be under the eyes of the entire world during this final. He said in this regard, “Africa must present its best image through organization, sportsmanship, and the quality of football.”
Miguel Cardozo concluded by praising Morocco, highlighting that the kingdom has accumulated significant experience in hosting major football events, and that the match also represents an opportunity to present a positive image before the upcoming global events the country will host.
Finally, he expressed his confidence that the CAF Champions League final will pass in a distinguished sporting atmosphere, expressing his hope that this match will be a “beautiful football celebration” worthy of the championship’s value and the image of African football before the world, reflecting the distinguished level of Miguel Cardozo’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
