The Brazilians face Morocco's AS FAR Rabat over two legs in this year's showpiece final, starting with Sunday's clash at Loftus Versfeld.
Downs ended as runners-up in the previous campaign after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Egypt's Pyramids, and know a good start at home will give them confidence going into the second leg in Morocco next weekend.
"We will give the best in order to win it," said Cardoso ahead of the game on IOL.
“It is a moment where we have to do things in the proper way. There is still the second match where everything will be decided and that is the mental state that we are in.”
Reflecting on last season's loss, the coach added: "We will enjoy the occasion, we know what are going to be the challenges and what it means. At the same time, we want to live in the moment.”
Cardoso explained that his team will need to make the most of home ground advantage.
"In the Champions League, the away goals rule is a factor and it is important that we look for a positive result. Conceding at home has an impact on the away match but we want to make a good game," Cardoso further explained.
"There will be moments for everything, we will know very well what we will be looking for and try to find advantages. Both teams are highly capable, that's why they are on this stage.
"I will praise the work that the players have done but now we have to play this game with the respect that the final demands."
"If we do it the right way, we are closer to having the possibility of taking something from the first match."
“This game will be decided in the second leg in Morocco.”
