Cardoso: Sundowns braced for Pyramids scheme

ON the eve of the CAF Champions League final first-leg tie at Loftus Versfeld, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso displayed a strong sense of positivity and self-belief, asserting his team are thoroughly prepared to face Egyptian side Pyramids FC.

- HERMAN GIBBS

The two-legged final promises to be a tactical battle, with Cardoso emphasising the similarities in style between Pyramids and previously faced North African giants Al Ahly FC and Esperance de Tunis.

In yesterday's pre-match conference, Cardoso reflected on the intense competition the Brazilians have endured en route to the final.

"We had two difficult games in the semi-finals (against Al Ahly FC) and two challenging encounters in the quarter-finals (against Esperance de Tunis)," he outlined.

"The level of Pyramids is similar, but their characteristics differ; nonetheless, the difficulty will be comparable."

This sentiment resonates with Sundowns' players and fans alike, especially as they aim to become the first South African club to claim the continent's blue-riband trophy for a second time, having previously triumphed in 2016 under coach Pitso Mosimane.

Cardoso has meticulously studied Pyramids and expressed a cautious optimism.