Like empires after wars! Cardoso finds a striking comparison after Sundowns collapse
Miguel Cardoso believes Mamelodi Sundowns must turn one of their darkest nights into the beginning of a new rise.
Details: Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted to the sensational elimination from the CAF Champions League by Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela. The defending champions were held to a 1-1 draw in Pretoria after the first leg in Angola finished 0-0, with Wiliete progressing on the away-goals rule.
Cardoso responded to the setback with an unusual historical comparison, insisting that major collapses can become the foundation for something new.
“Great empires always come from ashes,” Cardoso said.
“It was like that after the First World War. After the Second World War, it was the same. Many come from that. Today (Friday) was a dark night, but it’s the dark that has to give us the purpose and energy to build more. Maybe it’s an important lesson to look ahead. Like I usually say, we are not defined by what happens to us. We are defined much more by how we react to what happens to us.”
Sundowns will have an immediate opportunity to show that reaction. On Tuesday, October 27, Cardoso's team will host Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld in the Carling Knockout last 16, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The Portuguese coach stressed that the continental failure cannot simply be forgotten, but also reminded his players that the season still offers other targets.
“There are a lot of trophies still to challenge for,” Cardoso said.
“We obviously cannot forget what it means to be eliminated from the Champions League. It’s hard for the club and the coaches – and you can imagine for myself, it’s harder after being in the final for three years in a row. It’s hard for a club that was supposed to be in the group stage for the 12th time in a row.”
It is worth noting that this is the first time since 2015 that Mamelodi Sundowns have failed to reach the CAF Champions League group stage. The South African side entered the tournament as the reigning continental champions.
Reminder: A brutal self-verdict! Cardoso breaks silence after Sundowns' Champions League shock
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
