CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns Urged to Manage Emotions Ahead of Saint Eloi Lupopo Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns are on high alert for potential ‘mind games’ as they kick off their CAF Champions League group stage campaign against Saint-Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, November 22.

Saint Eloi Lupopo secured their spot in the group phase after a contentious two-legged victory over Orlando Pirates in the previous round.

Aware of the visitors' reputation, Mamelodi Sundowns are determined to remain composed and stick to their game plan.

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Midfielder Marcelo Allende stressed the importance of a strong start and maintaining their footballing principles.

"The focus is always on our game," he stated as quoted by the Citizen. "We need to focus on our ideas and move the ball faster because this is the most important thing."

Marcello Allende highlighted the significance of the tournament for the club. "Everybody at the club, from the players to the technical team, knows how important this tournament is. Starting with three points is the most important thing on our minds. We have been preparing well this week and are ready to start in the best way possible."

On his part, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso reinforced Allende's message, calling for emotional discipline from his squad.

He emphasised that his players must not get drawn into any provocations from a Lupopo side known for its combative style.

"Marcelo knows that we make a big effort to make players understand that any emotion not proper for a football match should be left in the locker room," Cardoso explained.

"Whatever happens on the pitch will always be managed emotionally in the right way by the players."

The coach recalled a previous incident to illustrate his point: "You remember when we played Esperance last year at home, there was a clash between the players and how aggressive I was to take them away from that mix-up. I always want the players to focus on their behaviour."

Cardoso concluded, "If our minds don’t stay focused on this, then we won’t make the right decisions, so I don’t relate with those things."

The visitors will be without defender Dieumerci Mukoko Amale, who is serving a two-match suspension for violent conduct during the tie against Orlando Pirates.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns are monitoring the fitness of veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who was forced off with an injury while on international duty for Uganda against Morocco on Tuesday.