Miguel Cardoso not taking Lupopo lightly ahead of CAFCL tie

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Cardoso dispels complacency against Lupopo

Photo: Miguel Cardoso

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says he is taking nothing for granted ahead of their CAF Champions League group stage opener against FC-Saint Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday (15h00).

The Democratic Republic of Congo outfit secured their group stage berth after stunning Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round last month.

With the match looming in the capital, the Downs mentor has dispelled any form of complacency from his troops, warning against taking Lupopo lightly.

“We understand that sometimes because a team is from a [less fancied] country or has no such curriculum, there's sometimes a wrong idea about taking the respect that we should have in this kinds of matches,” said Cardoso.

"So, that was also a very important message and attitude and mindset that we had throughout the week and we created throughout the week.

Cardoso is targeting a strong start to the campaign as the Tshwane giants failed to get off the mark in their curtain raiser against DR Congo's AS Maniema Union under Manqoba Mngqithi last season.

“We remember very well what happened last year on the first game of the group stage where Mamelodi Sundowns was not able to beat Maniema at home, and from there, all that haunted the team a little bit throughout the group stage,” he added.

"So, we want to make a good start. A good start is on the whistle of the referee and the players that are available that can start that match, will for sure be very strong and very powerful on going and purse the result we want to get.

Masandawana have a chance to take control of Group C, provided they win by a two-goal cushion, as Al-Hilal Omdurman beat Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger 2-1 on Friday.