Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has insisted he and his charges will leave nothing to chance as they head into the MTN8 clash against Orlando Pirates with a slight advantage.
The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg of the semi-finals at Orlando Stadium last weekend.
Sundowns have not lifted the MTN8 since 2021 and have been denied at the final hurdle more than any other team.
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As they prepare to face the three-time defending champions, Cardoso is well aware the expectations are sky-high.
"It’s important to win cups because for a club like Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s important to always be involved in all the competitions," the Portuguese mentor said.
"Me, the players and myself, we feel there is energy for this competition. It is the start of the season, and obviously, everyone wants to start on the right foot.
"It brings new energy, it brings (good) dynamics, but one of the two most important teams in South Africa will stay out (get knocked out), and life will continue.
"We don’t want that to happen to us, and we will approach the match in a very serious way.
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"We will try to inspire players to decide the game at the right moment and work with the team so that we have a tactical approach that allows the players to feel comfortable throughout the match," he explained.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
