Cardoso welcomes Pirates lesson ahead of CAF CL meting with Mukoko’s Lupopo

On Sunday, Mamelodi Sundowns will be in Lubumbashi playing the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit St Eloi Lupopo in Group C of the CAF Champions League.

The Railmen are remembered for their controversial win over Orlando Pirates of the Premier Soccer League in the final preliminary round. Dieumerci Mukoko is popular in Mzansi for his intimidations,, especially at the Orlando Stadium which was recently renamed Orlando Armstel Arena.

The initial meeting between the two sides at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium ended 3-1 in favour of Masandawana.

Sundowns need a win to sustain their chances of making the knockout phase and avoid an embarrassing exit in the group stage, especially after the massive investment by the management. Coach Miguel Cardoso insists it will not be an easy outing, insisting they will learn from Pirates who fell 3-0 in Lubumbashi.

It is difficult to play Lupopo away

“Tough match ahead for sure, tough match, tough team, top attitude demanded, top attitude we’re going to have, fight for the best result possible, so that in the end we can come and be satisfied with the honesty of the work we put inside the pitch and hoping that the consequence of that attitude is a positive result, to get the best chance possible for the last match, that’s how we need to go there and face things,” he told the media.

It’s a very particular pitch, to play there is quite tricky, I remember.. how was the result of Pirates there in the beginning of the season? So we need to learn from the lessons, it’s difficult to play there, it’s difficult. Al Hilal drew, MC Alger lost… so we need to have the mindset to play a game there.

“Remember we played last year against AS Maniema in Congo, different stadium, open stadium; not so close, the fans, the team, the heat and humidity. And against Lupopo there are more factors, crowded packed stadium close to the pitch, brings in emotions. 

“We need a serious, honest, and humble approach, so in the right moments, score the goals we need and bring the best result we can; that’s important. The boys are up for the challenge, they know what they will face, and it’s with those expectations we go [to Congo],” Cardoso concluded.