Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has downplayed expectations for their FIFA Club World Cup debut, admitting that advancing from the group stage would be an “incredible achievement.”
The South African champions, still reeling from their recent CAF Champions League final loss, open their campaign Tuesday against South Korean side Ulsan HD.
Sundowns qualified for the lucrative tournament based on their strong African performance, but face a formidable Group F including German giants Borussia Dortmund and Brazilian powerhouses Fluminense.
“For us, it would be an incredible achievement to go through the group stage,” Cardoso stated, emphasizing the need for a “very complete match” against Ulsan.
The 53-year-old Portuguese coach views the tournament as a crucial test. “I know it’s going to be tough but I expect it to be beautiful. We need to take it to the limit.”
After Ulsan in Orlando, Sundowns will face Dortmund in Cincinnati, then Fluminense in Miami on June 25th. “It’s three different tests and in the end they should all help us develop,” Cardoso concluded.
