Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is relieved after avoiding Orlando Pirates in the Caf Champions League quarter-final.
The two Premier Soccer League teams could have been drawn against each other since there is no rule stopping such from happening. However, as fate may have it, Masandawana will play Esperance – a team that fired Cardoso before his move to Mzansi, in the last eight, with Pirates facing MC Alger.
The defending champions Al Ahly were paired with Al Hilal as Pyramids FC secured a date with AS FAR Rabat.
Despite claiming he is happy to avoid Bucs, Cardoso now says he no longer knows his former team, and the way they play. He, nevertheless, insists Sundowns are very strong and can get a place in the last four.
‘I don't know how Esperance play' – Cardoso
“I didn’t want to play Pirates as I think it is much more beautiful for the competition that we would have a national game which we make internationally,” the Portuguese told the club's media team.
“So basically there were two teams, Esperance or Al Hilal and both of them were different and strong. I think we got a strong team but we are also a very strong team. I think the team changed a little bit in the market in January, so we will have to take a look at the players.
“I can confess I don't know them anymore so after I left Esperance to come here. I didn't watch them regarding how they play. Obviously, I have been following their results but I didn't see any games and don’t know how they play. I know they are doing well and they are in the first position on the table,” Cardoso concluded.
