Mamelodi Sundowns look to regain spark in CAF Champions League return

Mamelodi Sundowns have endured a turbulent start to their season and now return to the CAF Champions League stage aiming to find their rhythm and begin their continental campaign on a positive note.

The Brazilians will face Nigerian outfit Remo Stars in the second preliminary round at the Abiola Stadium this Sunday, seeking to lay down an early marker in Africa’s premier club competition.

Their return follows a heartbreaking 3-2 aggregate defeat in last season’s final against Egyptian side Pyramids FC, where Sundowns were widely tipped to lift their second Champions League title. Instead, they were left to rue missed opportunities against the debut finalists, ending what had been a strong campaign in disappointment.

For head coach Miguel Cardoso, this tournament presents a chance for redemption. The Portuguese tactician has suffered back-to-back continental final heartbreaks—first with Esperance de Tunis in the 2023/24 campaign and then with Sundowns last season. Now, he will be hoping that it’s third time lucky as he looks to guide his team back to the summit of African football.

Cardoso has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks, with his side struggling to produce the kind of dominance that has defined them in domestic football for nearly a decade. Sundowns exited the MTN8 early and suffered another setback before the international break, losing 7-6 on penalties to Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout after a goalless 120 minutes.

The next two fixtures against Remo Stars provide a crucial opportunity for Cardoso and his team to reassert themselves. The expectation is clear, they must win both matches to ease the pressure and build momentum for the demanding season ahead, where the Champions League remains a key priority.

With Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates showing genuine intent to challenge their league dominance, this continental tie could not come at a better time for the Chloorkop-based side. It offers a chance to reset their campaign and rediscover their winning rhythm after a disrupted start to the season—something Cardoso attributed to the lack of a proper preseason.

However, the Champions League has often proven unpredictable, as last season’s final demonstrated. Sundowns now face a Remo Stars side that cruised past Comoros Premier League outfit US Zilimadjou with a 5-0 aggregate win in the first preliminary round.

Yet, despite that result, the Nigerians have endured a difficult start to their domestic season. They currently sit 13th in the 20-team Nigerian Premier Football League, having lost three of their last five matches.

Even so, as reigning Nigerian champions, the Sky Blue Stars will approach the tie with confidence, and Cardoso will be aware that no team can be taken lightly on the continent. Sundowns will need to strike a balance between patience and precision if they are to avoid another early setback.

The pressure on Cardoso remains intense, particularly given that many coaches before him have not survived such a run of results. With a few new faces in the squad—including the promising signing of Nuno Santos—they need to deliver a more convincing performance when they take to the field on Sunday to give their season much needed momentum.