Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Downplays Favourites Tag Ahead of Remo Stars Showdown

• Miguel Cardoso has shared his thoughts ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns' preliminary CAF Champions League clash against Remo Stars
• The Betway Premiership champions are seen as favourites to win the double-legged tie, with the first leg taking place in Nigeria
• The Masandawana supporters also aired their thoughts as their team travels to West Africa to face the Nigerian Professional Football League defending champions

Mamelodi Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso insists his team isn’t the favourite as they prepare to face Nigerian champions Remo Stars in Sunday’s CAF Champions League second-round clash at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.

The Brazilians are working on securing a place in the group stage of the competition, just like they did last season, where they finished as runners-up to eventual champions Pyramids FC.

Sundowns have endured a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign, surrendering two domestic titles already. The Pretoria giants' poor start has sparked frustration among sections of the fanbase, who blame the team’s dip in form on what they see as a more pragmatic approach under the Portuguese coach.

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Cardoso ahead of Sundowns’ clash against Remo

Addressing questions about his team’s approach, Miguel Cardoso dismissed criticism of being overly pragmatic, reminding critics of the club’s dominant performances and record-breaking campaign last season in South African football.

Speaking ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League clash with Remo Stars, the 53-year-old coach urged his players to remain focused and guard against complacency.

Cardoso warned that past achievements would count for nothing if the team underestimated their opponents, stressing the need to be strong and disciplined to overcome the Nigerian side and secure progress in the competition.

Mamelodi Sundowns are seen as one of the favourites to win the competition after finishing runners-up last season. They put up a a good fight against Pyramids FC in the final especially in the first leg in South Africa.

Here is what fans are saying about Sundowns ahead of their mouthwatering clash against Remo Stars.

Zolani8503 said:

"Cardoso must play all those players who played for bafana bafana ,he must stop this nonsense of fatigue."

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Brian Sigidi wrote:

"Make us proud, if you lose leave Cardoso in Nigeria."

sKy shared:

"Remo stars is doing really good, let's be cautious and get that 3points👆."

Heisenberg commented:

"The way Cardoso destroyed Sundowns I am not looking forward to the game. Dude is a failed Portuguese coach....which accolades apart from Betway last season has he won?"

Lunga_BigArm reacted:

"We can't even get excited when our club is about to play because we are no longer sure what to expect. Sadly some of the supporters have trust deficit towards our style of play and tactics."

MrL_Qhwesha added:

"May you kindly beat that Remo Stars of Nigeria please 🙏. Go further and win face Pirates in the final.The only competitive teams this season are Pirates and RS Berkane then Sundowns. It's time that you guys win CAF league just to take the dignity of SA football to the next level."

Sundowns sign new player

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Briefly News also reported that Sundowns have added a new player to their ranks, signing him after he left one of the Premier Soccer League rivals.

The Brazilians invested in one of the promising talents in the South African league, after signing a youth international.

Source: Briefly News