Downs could gain advantages before facing Esperance

MAMELODI Sundowns could receive a massive morale boost ahead of their trip to Tunisia, where they’ll face Esperance in the CAF Champions League tonight in the second leg of the quarter-finals.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

The Brazilians will travel to North Africa on the back of a 1-0 victory over the Smiling One in the first leg last week.

While the score favours them, the suspension of their weekend Betway Premiership match against Stellenbosch could also work in their favour.

Sundowns would have had ample time to prepare, having played their last game in the first leg on Tuesday night at home, at Loftus Versfeld.

This must have definitely pleased coach Miguel Cardoso, who had bemoaned that the local champions haven't been supported by the PSL when it comes to match scheduling.

With Cardoso revealing that players such as Mothobi Mvala and Themba Zwane were close to returning to full fitness, the week-long interval must have fast-tracked their progress.

Cardoso believes in having sufficient time to work on training with his team for huge matches that could define their season.