Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are meeting in the semi-finals of the MTN8, starting with the first leg on Saturday at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has stated that it's better to have big matches like this one early in the season because it sets the tone for the rest of the campaign.
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Speaking to journalists during the MTN8 press conference at the PSL Offices in Parktown, Johannesburg ahead of Saturday's encounter, Cardoso said that such matches help the players grow and develop for the rest of the season.
"It's interesting to play such a match in an early stage of the season. This MTN8 Cup brings exactly high-level matches in the moment that the teams are still developing and growing for the season ahead. So, obviously, it's important to hit the ground running and those kind of matches are the best. (We need to be in the) best condition and tactical approach as possible," Cardoso told journalists.
The Portuguese-born mentor further stated that the Brazilians have the advantage because they didn't change coaches, and that the core of the team is the same.
"We didn't change the coach and the team. We are trying to grow. And it's happening in the moment we are living. These kinds of matches have a special story that will be written and will be told by you that has to do with the moment that comes from the game, from what happened before. It's a match that when the first whistle blows it has a story that we forget what is behind and just focus on the game. This is a match that you need to be prepared for in terms of emotions. (You need) the right emotions that you need to produce results. So, we see that is why we are going to Orlando Stadium to get the right result in the first leg," Cardoso stated.
Cardoso's confidence comes at a time when Pirates are struggling under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, having lost their opening two Betway Premiership fixtures. In contrast, Sundowns have maintained continuity with Cardoso and most of their squad from last season, giving them what the Portuguese tactician believes is a psychological and tactical edge heading into this crucial semi-final clash.
On the other hand, with Sundowns' being confident, the Pirates team have extra motivation to lift their game and create a surprising result. This is a competition they have dominated in recent years, and it's now up to Ouaddou's charges to maintain that record.
The game on Saturday at Orlando Stadium kicks off at 15:00.
