Mamelodi Sundowns not looking beyond FIFA Cup and MTN8

Al Ahli secured the fixture at Loftus Versfeld on 19 September after they edged out New Zealand’s Auckland FC 1-0 last week.

Cardoso, however, says it is far too early to start thinking about his strongest possible line-up for the Tshwane showdown, with the fixture still more than two weeks away.

"We are following the team and we are getting information from different sources, and we will also be going to see a few of their matches. There are still so many matches to play before then and those matches will determine in what condition we play that game and the MTN8 Final. We are trying to gradually arrive at the core of our team for the season ahead."

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The same applies for the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, which is only scheduled for 10 October when the two teams are far along in their domestic programme. 

Cardoso added that it was important how to manage players. 

Meanwhile, Cardoso – having previously warned that winger Siyanda Ndlovu should be given more time to adapt within the club’s framework – believes he is already seeing a massive improvement from him and Antonio van Wyk.

"When you come off the bench there is always more space, but when you start the match the spaces are narrow, that's why it's important to play in different ways. It is important for us to have a strong bench, and I'm grateful that we are better this year and that we have players like Ndlovu and van Wyk that can keep the energy at a high level."