Champions League football returns to Loftus Stadium for the first time
in 2026, with Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso embarking on his third
attempt to claim Africa’s biggest club prize.
Having been involved in the last two CAF Champions League finals—first with
Esperance and then last season with Sundowns, where they fell to Egypt’s
Pyramids—Cardoso is cautious but optimistic about his team’s chances. The
immediate focus, however, is securing a knockout spot.
Sundowns welcome Sudanese side Al Hilal tonight in a crucial
top-of-the-table Group C clash. Both teams are level on four points, with
Sundowns leading on goal difference. A win would create valuable breathing
room in the race for qualification.
While Sundowns boast an unbeaten record against Al Hilal in previous
Champions League meetings, Cardoso downplayed the relevance of history. “We
don’t look at history. History belongs to the past. The history we have to
worry about is the one we have to write,” he told the media on Thursday.
He added that Al Hilal, under a coach who “prefers to win 4-3 rather than
1-0,” remains a familiar and dangerous opponent.
Sundowns are set to be reinforced by the return of their Bafana Bafana
contingent. After being rested in Monday’s league match against Orbit
College—where only Ronwen Williams featured—key players such as Teboho
Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, and Bathusi Aubass are expected to be
available for selection tonight.
