Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed concern over the challenging travel logistics facing his team ahead of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash against Nigerian champions Remo Stars.
The South African champions will kick off their campaign with an away fixture at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on October 19, before hosting the return leg in Tshwane a week later.
Speaking to journalists, Cardoso described the travel to Nigeria as “a two-day journey”, admitting it will test his players’ endurance after returning from international duty.
“The city we are going to play in, we have to travel for two days. We cannot make both flights in one day,” Cardoso said, as quoted by The South African.
“We need to do the best possible and then adapt when our players return from national duty. The trip is obviously difficult, but this is Champions League football.”
Sundowns, who earned a bye into the round thanks to their strong CAF ranking, have eight players recently involved with Bafana Bafana during the international window — including captain Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Malibongwe Khoza, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Iqraam Rayners.
The Pretoria giants remain among the favourites for continental glory, though they have suffered repeated heartbreaks since lifting their first CAF Champions League title in 2016.
They lost to Pyramids FC in last season’s final, Esperance in the 2023/24 semi-finals, and Wydad Casablanca, Al Ahly, and Petro de Luanda in earlier campaigns.
Despite those setbacks, Cardoso says the team remains focused on their goal.
“It’s difficult, but that’s the nature of African football. We’ve been here before, and we know what it takes to compete at this level,” he added.
Their opponents, Remo Stars, come into the contest full of confidence after winning the Nigerian Premier Football League, finishing 10 points clear of Rivers United, and are determined to make their mark on the continental stage.
About the Author
