The tenure of Miguel Cardoso at Mamelodi Sundowns appears to be entering its final days as high-level negotiations for a settlement agreement reach a critical stage. Sources close to the club confirm that the club’s hierarchy has stepped in to oversee the legalities.
The Portuguese tactician, who took over the reins in December 2024, has faced mounting pressure following a string of inconsistent results that have seen the ‘Brazilians’ lose their grip on domestic dominance.
While Cardoso led the team to an eighth consecutive league title last season, the current campaign has been a different story.
Sundowns are looking to finalise the settlement this January, allowing the club to move forward during the current transfer window. The club is operating under a strict ticking clock for several reasons.
The Tshwane giants currently trail Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership by two points. Masandawana, who have played a game more than their rivals, are on 26 points after 13 games, while the Buccaneers are two points ahead.
With the Bucs in good form, the board believes a change is needed immediately to salvage the title race. In his 397 days at Chloorkop, the longest he has been in the dugout of a senior team, he has taken charge of 55 games, winning 34, drawing 13 times and losing eight.
The news about Pitso Mosimane’s return has intensified. Information reaching FARPost indicates that ‘Jingles’ is prepared to rejoin the club he led to five league titles, although his return is contingent on Cardoso’s official departure.
MIGUEL CARDOSO’S CRYPTIC FAREWELL
Speculation intensified on Saturday when Cardoso removed Mamelodi Sundowns Head Coach from his social media profile, replacing it with ‘Official account of Football Manager.’
He further fueled the fire with a cryptic Instagram David Bowie quote: “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
With the January deadline looming, the Sundowns faithful are bracing for an official announcement.
Sundowns have already pulled off a dream signing, bringing in Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates. The highly rated winger becomes Sundowns’ second signing in this window, following Brayan Leon from Independiente Medellin in Colombia.
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