Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has given his thoughts on the treatment he received from Esperance, as he revealed his growing love for Mamelodi Sundowns and South African culture.
Cardoso led Sundowns to a 1-0 aggregate victory over his former club Esperance, as the Tshwane giants played out to a goalless draw in the CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg clash in Rades, Tunisia. The first leg at Loftus Stadium finished 1-0, courtesy of a Peter Shalulile goal.
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“I think that people here received from my part a lot of respect and love. I embraced their culture, their music, their food, their habits. Normally, they had to treat me well and that’s what I felt. Growing strong feelings regarding South Africa, regarding Mamelodi Sundowns. This adventure has been a pleasure, so I felt that going through this stage would really give something back that last year I took away," Cardoso told Sundowns media after the match in Rades, Tunisia.
"I am happy because of that. So it was time to split a little bit and make the other side (Sundowns) happy."
Sundowns will take on Al Ahly in the semis, a club Cardoso faced in the final of the Champions League last season, when he was at the helm of Esperance.
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"We know that Al Ahly in the last seven or eight years they won a lot of Champions Leagues. Last year I lost the final against them, but I think it's possible to beat them. We need to make two very strong games, play on the detail. We need to prepare ourselves in the best way. We have a Nedbank Cup semi-final to play and that should be our focus now."
Sundowns have to quickly put their Champions League victory behind them and focus on their Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs this Sunday.
