Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso bracing for tricky CAF Champions League qualifier

Sundowns are the competition holders, having defeated Morocco's AS FAR Rabat 2-1 over two legs in the 2025/26 final.

They start the defence of their title in the second qualifying round as Wiliete overcame Seychelles Premier League club Foresters Mont Fleuri 5-0 over two legs in the first qualifying round.

Speaking ahead of the weekend's game, Cardoso admitted they face a tough task against the current Girabola league leaders, having had some experience of football in Angola.

"It's been a long while since I was here, I was an assistant coach of Sporting, we played a friendly against Petro de Luanda, so being here is another opportunity, it's an honour to be in Angola," said the Sundowns boss.

"We understand the level of Wiliete, and the importance of this qualifying round over two legs. The first match, we must try not to concede and score, it's important so then we can finish it in the home match in Pretoria.

"It's one of the best clubs in the country, we understand very well the team we are playing against, we studied them very well, we face this qualifying round with respect. But at the same time, the respect is mutual, we respect ourselves," Cardoso added.

“So we will try to put, and we will put the best we can on the pitch, we don't take anything for granted, we understand how professional we have to be.

"It's a team with quality players, so we need to be at our best level, and do everything in our reach. Our preparation has been okay and we hope to have a good match.”