Sundowns coach Cardoso alert to the challenge of limited possession

MAMELODI Sundowns, the formidable force of South African football, are set to take on an entirely different battlefield at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

- HERMAN GIBBS

As they prepare to represent Africa, head coach Miguel Cardoso has issued a crucial advisory: the team must adapt to having less possession than they are accustomed to.

“We are excited as a team, and we are excited that we are going to represent Africa as a whole," said Cardoso, reflecting on the pride and anticipation that comes with this prestigious tournament.

Once used to dominating possession in the South African league, where they often control the ball upwards of 70 per cent, Sundowns now face a daunting task in Group F.

They find themselves as underdogs against Brazilian giants Fluminense and the highly competitive Borussia Dortmund, who are expected to progress to the knockout stages, alongside South Korean heavyweights Ulsan Hyundai.

Cardoso emphasised the drastic change in approach required.