Mamelodi Sundowns could not have asked for a better start to their CAF-Champions League campaign, as they cruised past Congolese outfit Saint-Eloi Lupopo, and snatched all three points yesterday ahead of their game against Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger on Friday.
It was their Portuguese connection of Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos that inspired the result, and the question is, will they be the answer for coach Miguel Cardoso in delivering that second elusive star for Sundowns this season?
For the longest time, Masandawana have been heavily reliant on the South American contingent to add a bit of spark to their shoeshine and piano, but in recent years, it has not paid huge dividends, as far as delivering a second Champions League is concerned.
This season, after things did not work out in the previous final, Cardoso made it a point to recruit fellow countrymen Reisinho and Santos, who have seemingly adapted well to
African football and hit the ground running.
“I always said that entering Mamelodi Sundowns is an easier process than in other clubs. The club is very friendly. The players are very friendly to each other,” Cardoso said on the adaptation of the Portuguese duo.
“I think it’s clear for all of us that Nuno made a very good adaptation to South Africa and to the football that is played here.”
Sundowns will now want to rest and work on their recovery, as they are due for a long flight to Algeria this week to face Mokwena’s side, who are still licking their wounds following their loss to Al Hilal on Friday.
