The reigning Betway Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, are reportedly on the verge of appointing Miguel Cardoso as their new head coach, FARPost has been informed.
The Portuguese tactician, who was previously with Espérance de Tunis, is expected to bring a wealth of experience and tactical acumen to the Tshwane giants.
Cardoso is expected to join Sundowns with his own technical team, comprised of Fabio Fernandez as the first assistant coach, Joaquim Pedro Azevedo as the second assistant coach, and Joao Araujo as the third assistant coach.
The former Espérance coach is set to replace Manqoba Mngqithi, whose recent performances with Sundowns have reportedly fallen short of the club’s high expectations, leading to a loss of confidence from the management.
It has been reported that coach Miguel Cardoso has already arrived in South Africa to assume his new position at Chloorkop.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI’S FUTURE AT SUNDOWNS UNCERTAIN
Mngqithi took over the coaching reins at Sundowns following the surprising dismissal of Rulani Mokwena, who had guided the club to consecutive league titles. Mokwena’s departure, reportedly due to clashes with Sporting Director Flemming Berg, saw him take charge of Moroccan side Raja Casablanca.
However, under Mngqithi’s leadership this season, Sundowns have struggled to maintain the same level of dominance that saw them nearly go unbeaten last year.
‘The Brazilians’ have suffered early exits from both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup competitions. They lost to Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals of the top-eight Cup and surprisingly suffered defeat to newly-promoted Magesi FC in the Carling tournament.
In addition, Sundowns’ CAF Champions League campaign has also been underwhelming, with draws in their opening two games against AS Maniema Union and AS FAR Rabat, leaving them with work to do in the group stage.
Despite these setbacks, Sundowns currently sit at the summit of the SA elite league standings, level on points with Orlando Pirates but ahead on goal difference.
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