Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has downplayed the favourites tag ahead of their CAF Champions League Preliminary second round clash against Nigerian champions Remo Stars at the MKO Abiola International Stadium on Sunday.
Currently perched atop the Betway Premiership table with a game in hand over second-placed Sekhukhune United, Sundowns have endured a challenging start to the 2025/26 season, having already conceded two domestic titles. This slow beginning has sparked frustration among sections of the fanbase, with some attributing the team’s form to what they perceive as a more pragmatic approach introduced by the Portuguese coach.
However, Cardoso remains confident, drawing on the team’s attacking dominance last season, when they shattered the PSL record for the most goals scored in a single campaign.
“Regarding being pragmatic or not, I think the people who speak about that know the performances this team has had recently and how last season finished — outplaying all records in South African football,” he said.
The 53-year-old tactician has urged his players to stay focused and avoid complacency.
“If we want to play Champions League again, we need to be very strong to beat this team of Remo Stars. If we come here and think that the stats, the past or the fact that we were the finalists last season will dictate the outcome, we are making a big mistake,” Cardoso cautioned.
He stressed the importance of approaching the tie with full seriousness.
“We came here to play the first of two matches. Obviously, both teams will find it difficult to adapt to different conditions. We know what this team is capable of. There’s a dream in the head of every player from Remo Stars and everybody at the club.”
Addressing concerns about the expected heat in Nigeria, Cardoso expressed confidence in his players’ ability to adapt, referencing their recent experience at the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States.
“It is hot in Nigeria, but it is also summer in South Africa. Our players are used to playing in the heat because sometimes in South Africa we have high temperatures at this time of the year.”
The coach also acknowledged the presence of several players who recently returned from international duty.
“We travelled early to Nigeria to allow enough recovery time for them. The day before we departed Johannesburg, we had training sessions in preparation for the match, and now we are trying to acclimatise to the weather conditions.”
Ultimately, Cardoso reiterated the need for focus and professionalism.
“If we want to win this game against Remo Stars, we need to be strong. If we think we are favourites just because we were finalists last year, we will be making a big mistake,” he warned.
“The story of the underdog can happen if we are not diligent. We must take this match seriously.”
With the first leg set for Sunday, all eyes will be on whether Sundowns can navigate the challenges in Abuja and reassert their dominance in a competition where every match can define a campaign.
