The Betway Premiership leaders take on the ABC Motsepe League side at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
While the Brazilians overcame Sibanye Golden Stars 5-2 in the round as 32, Home Defenders saw off Motsepe Championship Foundation side Hungry Lions 3-1.
As they are currently competing for the South African top-flight as well as the CAF Champions League, Cardoso will use this game to play the fringe members of his squad.
The Downs boss said in the Citizen: "We have to fight to get a good result but most of all, we need to understand the moment. The moment is for us to provide opportunities for players that haven't played and rest the ones that are really tired and need to recover.
"We also need to perform at the highest level in order to get the result so our focus is to first get the result and go further in the competition. Second one, it's to build a team that is as strong as possible. We should also analyse the players that can cope with the situation in order to play this match and also look further ahead to what we have coming."
"They're a team that comes with an ambition and a dream but it's our job not to allow that dream to become a true goal. We need to focus on what we have to do in the match and face it in a more serious way," added Cardoso.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has admitted that his team's mistakes and failure to manage their emotions proved costly as they suffered a shock elimination from the CAF Champions League.
Mamelodi Sundowns have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Angolan Girabola league leaders Wiliete SC on away goals.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes his side must be prepared to fight for victory when they battle Wiliete SC in their second leg fixture at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
Thapelo Morena is confident that Mamelodi Sundowns will beat Wiliete SC on Friday and secure their place in the group stages of the CAF Champions League.
