Kaizer Chiefs hopeful Elias Mokwana reveals how Esperance de Tunis plan to hurt Mamelodi Sundowns in Caf Champions League - 'It is the final before the final'

Bafana Bafana forward Elias Mokwana believes that Miguel Cardoso's presence at Mamelodi Sundowns gives Esperance an advantage ahead of Tuesday's Caf Champions League showdown.

Cardoso was Esperance's head coach before he was appointed by Sundowns, and the two clubs are set to clash in the quarter-finals.

Although the former Sekhukhune United winger is looking forward to a tough outing, he believes they have the upper hand because they understand Cardoso's playstyle.

“Ja, I guess they have an advantage there, but also it is for us because we know how he [Cardoso] structures his play,” Mokwana told iDiski Times.

“It’s going to be a good match. I think it is the two greatest teams coming up against each other. I think both teams have great players.

"It is the final before the final. Whoever wants it the most will be the one who wins it," he added.

Sundowns are gearing up for a match against a side that eliminated them last season in the semi-final, hoping for revenge. Cardoso masterminded a 2-0 aggregate win against the Premier Soccer League heavyweights.

This time around, it is Mokwana, who signed for Esperance in August last year, who could help end Sundowns' journey in the continental competition.

Before he left for Esperance, the forward had been heavily linked with Kaizer Chiefs. Although he snubbed the Soweto giants to join the Tunisian heavyweights, he is open to a future move to Naturena.

But for now, his focus is on the Champions League, where he hopes to inspire Esperance past the Tshwane giants and progress to the last four.

If he starts, this is a match in which Mokwana would want to shine and show Chiefs what they could have missed by not signing him.

Downs will host Esperance at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday for the first leg encounter.

To enhance their chances of progressing in the continental campaign, the Brazilians must ensure they capitalise on home advantage before they travel north for the second leg encounter on April 8.