Cardoso calls for unity and flexibility ahead of Pirates

MIGUEL Cardoso was the personification of Valentine's Day after guiding Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League's quarterfinal 'on the day of love' at Loftus Versfeld in Hatfield.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

The Portugal-born coach waxed poetic about why he hopes everyone around the club continues to find each other again through “special shared moments,” following the outside noise that recently surrounded the club.

The Brazilians beat MC Alger 2-0 in their group stage match on Saturday, securing their place among the best eight teams on the continent for an eighth successive season. While the team did their part - producing a professional performance on the pitch - Masandawana filled the stands, painting the stadium yellow and green, intimidating the Algerians, who hardly hit second gear, despite being led by former Sundowns' coach Rulani Mokwena.

A united Sundowns - players, coaches, and supporters - had started to become a foreign concept at the club. Some disgruntled fans wanted Cardoso and sporting director Flemming Berg out due to poor results and an ineffective style of play.