Sundonws have set full focus and ambition on their domestic commitments after suffering a disappointing continental exit before reaching the group stages.
Miguel Cardoso described the outcome as a failure, particularly given his previous record of reaching three consecutive finals in the competition.
However, Marumo Gallants coach, Kanalelo believes Sundowns’ response to that disappointment could make them an even more difficult opponent.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS WILL BE POWERFUL
The former Ka Bo Yellow goalkeeper admitted that the timing of their meeting with the Tshwane giants could have worked in his team’s favour.
Nevertheless, he was unwilling to assume that the continental setback had weakened the defending champions.
“It could be the right time, it could be a wrong time, are they disappointed, are they sad? Sundowns are very much sad… to be out of the Champions League, it could have been an advantage for us, but it could have been a different opportunity for them for winning this competition,” he said.
Kanalelo also pointed to the depth and quality within the Sundowns squad, explaining that even when Cardoso makes several changes, the replacements remain capable of competing at the highest level.
WARNING TO OPPONENTS
For Gallants, that presented a difficult challenge regardless of the Brazilians’ recent continental disappointment.
“They made many changes and when they make changes with the quality they have, you have players that are trying to place themselves in the squad, you can’t say it’s a right or wrong time. The quality is good and they are very strong,” he added.
The coach further explained that Gallants wanted to establish whether Sundowns had been affected psychologically by their Champions League elimination.
He acknowledged that the defending champions have experienced difficult moments before and possess the experience to recover from setbacks.
“They have suffered before, it’s not the first time, but we also wanted to see how badly they had been affected, we gave our best, it tells you they didn’t take us for granted.”
Meanwhile, Gallants have finally given themselves something to build on after securing their first victory of the season against Siwelele FC.
They came from behind to register a 3-2 win on Friday, moving away from the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings.
Kanalelo’s team will now look to make it consecutive victories when they face Golden Arrows before the next FIFA international break.
