Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up about the meeting with club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe after the team's shock exit from the CAF Champions League.

The Brazilians were knocked out in the second round of qualifying by Angolan side Wiliete on the away goals rule, after the two legs ended 1-1 on aggregate. The result brought their continental campaign to an unexpected end.

Cardoso spoke about the setback at his post-match press conference on Tuesday evening, after Sundowns beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The Portuguese coach admitted that the elimination left the club deeply disappointed, especially given Sundowns' recent record in Africa. The team has reached the semi-finals and finals in recent years, and Cardoso himself has been in three finals in a row.

He explained that the team quickly turned its attention to rebuilding confidence and focusing on the challenges ahead. The 54-year-old described the win over Gallants as a show of character, saying Sundowns needed to prove to their supporters that they are still determined to fight for the club's badge.

Cardoso also praised Motsepe for the way he spoke to the squad after the disappointing campaign. He said the chairman was very supportive and found the right approach and the right motivation, with the focus on what lies ahead.

The coach acknowledged that the club cannot ignore the disappointment, but stressed the importance of moving forward instead of dwelling on the past. For him, the victory over Gallants was an important chance to release some of the emotional pressure around the team and start restoring belief.

Sundowns now shift their focus to the Betway Premiership, where they host Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday evening.

Source: kick-off