As Mamelodi Sundowns make their final touch ups ahead of the CAF Champions League tie that will take place on Sunday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld, head coach Miguel Cardoso said he intends to win this game – which will be his first as a Brazilian – against Moroccan side Raja Casablanca.
With only four days to get the team ready for their home fixture in continental competition, coach Miguel said he feels at home after receiving a warm welcome from the team and the team has been preparing well.
“The energy has been extremely positive and has made it quite easy for us to integrate. We were well received and receiving such a welcome has helped us work together harmoniously. From the very first moment, we felt a positive spirit from the entire Mamelodi Sundowns family and the players,” said coach Miguel.
“There is big commitment during our sessions. This whole week, we have been working on exactly what we want to do in different moments of the game. This of course, aligns with the quality of our players. We are trying to adapt to their strengths while refining the small aspects that can help us improve our game,” he continued.
In the two encounters Bafana Ba Style have played in the group stages, they have managed to only collect two points from the two draws. According to the head coach, his side intends to dominate and win this game on home soil against Raja Casablanca before heading back to Morocco for another match.
“After the first two matches, we will be approaching this game according to our ambitions. Since our first day in the Club, our intentions have been to put everyone in the same line of thought, so that on Sunday we can express the level of game we need to win and get the three points.”
Speaking on what style of play he is looking for in his team, coach Miguel stated that he looks for physicality and aggression but understands that it will take time to implement that and have the team adjust to it. He said: “I want a team that can control games. The team must be solid in all four moments of the game and understand what to do with the ball. It’s clear that you have to move not just the ball but the opponents in order to find the right spaces and attack. We need to understand where the spaces are and how we should use them.”
“Being in control of the game also has to do with being very aggressive when you lose the ball because as much as you control the game, there are moments where you are going to lose the ball and you need at that moment to be very strong. I think those are moments where the team needs to grow a lot and for that, you need to have a huge a solidarity amongst the players,” he concluded.
Mamelodi Sundowns will do host Raja Casablanca on Sunday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld. Kick-off is scheduled for 15H00.
