Miguel Cardoso has urged Mamelodi Sundowns to turn the pain of their shock CAF Champions League elimination into motivation as they attempt to salvage a season that still offers several opportunities for silverware.
Sundowns were knocked out by Angola’s Wiliete SC on Friday, ending their defence of the continental title and dealing a significant blow to a campaign in which the Champions League had been their principal objective. The Tshwane club had been expected to reach the group stage for a 10th consecutive season after appearing in three successive finals before lifting the trophy last term.
Cardoso acknowledged the scale of the disappointment but insisted his players must now concentrate on the competitions that remain, beginning with Tuesday’s Carling Knockout last-16 tie against Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld.
“For the rest of the season, it means that we have to focus even more on the competitions that we have to play,” the Portuguese coach said.
READ: Shock Exit: Mamelodi Sundowns Knocked Out of CAF Champions League
Sundowns have already won the MTN8 and FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup this season and lead the domestic league. They also face USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld on 8 November, giving Cardoso’s side further chances to add to their trophy collection.
But the coach made clear that those achievements could not disguise the magnitude of their continental failure.
“We have won two trophies, and we’re leading the league in South Africa, but this one is a big knockout,” he said. “It’s a big punch in our face. What will make us stronger is how we’ll react, because there are so many things to win.”
Cardoso also called for collective accountability, arguing that the club must examine what went wrong rather than dwell on the disappointment.
“When we win, everybody wins, and when we lose, everybody loses,” he said. “There are many reflections that we have to do together, but what will speak for Sundowns is the greatness that will come after this defeat.”
Tuesday’s meeting with Gallants offers an immediate test of whether Sundowns can recover their focus and restore confidence in their remaining ambitions.