Cardoso: Advantage or not, Pirates are a tough nut to crack

AS anticipation builds for the MTN8 semifinal second leg clash between arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates tomorrow in Pretoria, coach Miguel Cardoso is keen to manage expectations, downplaying any advantages his team may hold.

- HERMAN GIBBS

With memories of a tightly contested first leg still fresh — in which Sundowns secured an important away goal in a 1-1 draw — the stakes are set for a high-octane encounter at home. Reflecting on last week’s performance in Orlando, Cardoso acknowledged the challenges inherent in knockout competitions. “It might be a cliché, but it’s a fact that matches like our competitions with knockout rounds over two legs are always very tough, both tough,” he stated, underscoring the intensity and unpredictability that define this format.

Despite holding the advantage of a home ground and an away goal, Cardoso remains pragmatic.