As Mamelodi Sundowns gear as much as face German giants Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium, head coach Miguel Cardoso has as soon as once more spoken with delight and objective concerning the membership’s journey to the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup.

Following their historic 1–0 win over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, the one victory by an African facet to date Cardoso used his pre-match press convention to replicate on what the second means for the membership and African soccer.

Iqraam Rayners’ objective within the tight Group F opener not solely sealed three factors but additionally introduced Sundowns’ intent on the world stage.

“We earned the appropriate to be right here,” Cardoso stated.

“And we’re proud to symbolize our continent at this stage. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this event effectively organized, extremely aggressive and filled with alternative.”

Miguel Cardoso in a press convention room.

His message was clear, Sundowns didn’t come to make up the numbers. The Portuguese coach sees the Membership World Cup as each recognition of previous success and a launchpad for future progress.

“What we would like is to develop,” Cardoso added.

“Competing with the most effective pushes us ahead. The challenges assist us enhance.”

The win in opposition to Ulsan has already turned heads, however an even bigger problem awaits in Dortmund, a European powerhouse with pedigree and expectations.

Nonetheless, if Sundowns can match the assumption of their coach with daring performances on the pitch, the African champions could also be writing extra historical past quickly.

Kickoff is about for right now, Saturday June 21, and all eyes might be on whether or not Sundowns can flip Cardoso’s imaginative and prescient into actuality since they’re presently prime of the standings with 3 factors with Dortmund in second with 1 similar to Brazilian facet Fluminise who lay third.