MAMELODI Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has made it clear that his side will show no mercy.
The Brazilians face Motsepe Foundation Championship side Gomora United in their Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash on Wednesday, 4 January, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane.
Masandawana go into the match as heavy favourites. But Cardoso insists that pressure is nothing new at Chloorkop, where winning every match and competing for every trophy is part of the club's DNA.
"At Sundowns, expectations are always very high. We are expected to win every game and every competition. That pressure comes with responsibility, and we accept it," said Cardoso.
The Brazilians are still chasing their first Nedbank Cup title since lifting the trophy in the 2021/22 season. They remain firmly in the hunt for silverware on several fronts, including the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League.
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With continental football high on the club's priority list, Cardoso believes a strong run in the Nedbank Cup could help keep momentum and reduce pressure during a tough season.
However, despite facing lower-division opposition, the Sundowns mentor has warned against complacency. He confirmed that his team will take a serious and professional approach to the game.
"A new competition always starts the same way for everyone. There's a long road ahead, but every journey starts with the first step, and that step for us is Gomora. We played them recently in a friendly, so we know what kind of opponent they are. They deserve respect, and respect means preparing properly and playing with intensity," he explained.
Cardoso also pointed out areas Sundowns are working to improve, especially in cup competitions where small margins often decide matches.
"This team has had moments in cup games where, after scoring or leading, we drop our intensity and try to manage the result. That's a mindset we need to change. We've spoken about it inside the club because in cups, you must always stay aggressive and focused," he admitted.
With Loftus expected to host a lively crowd, Sundowns will be aiming to make a strong statement and avoid any cup surprises. They want to add another Nedbank Cup trophy to their impressive collection.
