Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up on pressure from fans ahead of their CAF Champions League opener against Remo Stars FC.
The two sides will meet in the first leg of the second preliminary round set to take place on Sunday, 18 October at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Nigeria.
The winner of the two-legged contest will earn a spot in the group stages.
Cardoso was asked about the criticism he’s gotten from fans lately. Cardoso asserted that the team’s successes and on-field performances since he took charge speak louder and carry more weight than any criticism he has received
“I think that the people who speak about that [Sundowns being pragmatic] know the performances this team has had recently,” said Cardoso.
“They know how last season finished outplaying all records in South African football. That speaks more than what any other person can say.”
Cardoso also cautioned his troops, who only lost in the final in last season’s competition, not to take Remo players for granted.
The Portuguese coach warned that if the so-called “underdogs” could be problematic if they are underestimated.
“We have tie be very strong to beat this team of Remo Stars,” he added.
“If we come here and we think that the fact that last season we were finalists, will play something inside the four lines, we’re making a big mistake.
“And I don’t go along with that kind of attitude. We came here to play the first of two matches.
“Both of them will be difficult, playing in different conditions. We know what this team is capable of. We know for sure that each and player of Remo Stars has a dream.
“But we need to be loyal to ourselves, we need to give our bests. We need to be focused on what we want to do. We need to be serious and be very focused on what we have to do.
“If we want to play Champions League, we have to be very serious in how we play these two matches. Otherwise, the story of underdogs can happen if we don’t take it serious.”
