Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is not concerned about the hot weather conditions in Nigeria, where they take on Remo Stars in a Champions League second preliminary round clash on Sunday.
The Brazilians, who had a bye in the first round, are at M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium for the first leg, where temperatures are expected to be high, but Cardoso is not worried.
This will be nothing new for Sundowns players because a few months ago, they played under searing conditions at the Fifa Club World Cup in the US.
“It is hot in Nigeria, but it is also summer in South Africa,” said Cardoso.
“Our players are used to playing in the heat because sometimes in South Africa we have high temperatures at this time of the year. At the end of last season, we played at the FIFA Club World Cup with difficult climate conditions due to the heat.
“I don’t think it is something that will affect the performance of the team.”
Cardoso travelled with some of his players who were busy during the FIFA international week with their respective national teams.
“It is a fact that several of our players played two matches for their national teams recently. It is also a fact that we travelled early to Nigeria to provide enough recovery time for them
“The day before we departed Johannesburg on Thursday, we had an opportunity to do training sessions in preparation for the match, and now we are trying to acclimatise to the weather conditions.”
Sundowns have a bigger pedigree than Remo Stars, and Cardoso said they must be professional in their approach.
“If we want to win this game against Remo Stars, we need to be strong. If we think we are favourites because we were finalists last year, we will be making a big mistake.
“I don’t go along with this kind of attitude. We have two matches and they are going to be difficult under different conditions. We know what this team is capable of, and we need to be loyal to ourselves by giving the best.
“We need to be focused on what we are going to do; otherwise, the story of the underdog can happen. We have to take this match seriously.”
Remo Stars’ coach, Tiago Conde, says his team is fired up to make history as they prepare to battle Mamelodi Sundowns.
Conde, speaking ahead of the clash, admitted the enormity of the task but expressed confidence in his players’ hunger and preparation.
“We know it’s not going to be easy. Facing a side like Mamelodi Sundowns is a huge test, but it’s also a great opportunity,” he said.
“Our dream is to qualify for the group stage. It’s something Remo Stars have never achieved, and we are ready to give everything to make it happen.”
The Portuguese tactician added that his side will not be intimidated by the South African champions. “At the end of the day, it’s eleven players on each side. We respect them, but we also believe in our strength. After 90 minutes, the result will tell our story.”
The return leg of the tie will take place next weekend in Pretoria, where the overall winner will advance to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
