Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso identifies key factor ahead of Bafana World Cup campaign

South Africa will take on Nicaragua in a send-off match at Orlando Stadium on Friday as preparations intensify for the global tournament set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in less than two weeks.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos announced his final World Cup squad at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, with the Belgian mentor placing his trust in the core group of players who have formed part of his rebuilding project in recent years.

Despite the significant gap in FIFA rankings between the two sides — with South Africa sitting 60th and Nicaragua ranked 131st — Cardoso insists the match should not be judged purely on the final result.

According to the Portuguese tactician, the encounter is more about sharpening the team’s mentality, rhythm, and tactical behaviours before the real challenge begins at the World Cup.

“The match for them on Friday is mainly a preparation game,” said Cardoso, as quoted by FARPost.

“They need to work on their dynamics, create the right attitude, and develop the behaviours they want to take into the World Cup. I hope they can perform with those behaviours so that they are ready for the moments when results will really matter.”

Cardoso himself heads into the weekend on the back of a major achievement after guiding Sundowns to their historic second CAF Champions League title last Sunday following a tense aggregate victory over Moroccan giants AS FAR.

While attention will largely be on Bafana’s send-off clash, Sundowns will also be in action on Friday when they host German outfit RB Leipzig in a post-season friendly at Lucas Moripe Stadium.