The haunting chants of “Pitso! Pitso!” that echoed through Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday night have been met with a chilling response from the Mamelodi Sundowns boardroom.
Sundowns broke their silence following a night of chaos, issuing a stern condemnation of “ill-disciplined supporters” who harassed the technical team following Friday’s 2-2 draw against Sudanese side Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League.
The statement, released by the club hierarchy on Tuesday, comes as the pressure on head coach Miguel Cardoso reaches a boiling point. What was meant to be a routine Champions League group stage fixture descended into a hostile confrontation, with sporting director Flemming Berg reportedly doused in an “unidentified liquid” and Cardoso forced to exit the stadium through a back door under heavy security escort.
For many at Chloorkop, the draw was merely the spark for a fire that has been smouldering for months. Despite Sundowns sitting atop the Betway Premiership and leading their Champions League group, the ‘Yellow Nation’ appears to have lost patience with Cardoso’s tactical approach.
The atmosphere at Loftus turned toxic as the final whistle blew, with the stands erupting into deafening chants of “Pitso! Pitso!”—a clear beckoning for former talismanic coach Pitso Mosimane. As previously reported by FARPost, the latter is nearing the gates of Chloorkop. Mosimane—the architect who drafted the blueprint for Sundowns’ continental dominance—is reportedly in advanced negotiations for a return.
SUNDOWNS VOW LEGAL ACTION AGAINST FANS AS PITSO CHANTS HAUNT CARDOSO
In their official communique, Sundowns’ leadership made it clear that while they value engagement, the line has been crossed.
“Mamelodi Sundowns condemns the behaviour and conduct of the few ill-disciplined supporters who were disrupting members of the Sundowns Technical Team as they were leaving the stadium after the Sundowns and Al Hilal match,” reads the club statement. “Sundowns has always encouraged active supporter participation and engagement, which must always be done with respect and courtesy.”
The club added: “We will not tolerate any threats, illegal behaviour or intimidation by any of its supporters or fans at any of its matches. Appropriate legal or disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against those whose conduct is found to be illegal or contrary to the policies or rules of the Sundowns Supporters.
Sundowns’ statement also emphasised that the team is still focused on retaining the League Title and competing for silverware, but noted that this “can only be achieved with the support and encouragement” of the fans.
“The Players and Technical Team of Mamelodi Sundowns are focusing on retaining the League Title and successfully competing in all cup competitions. This can only be achieved with the support and encouragement of the Mamelodi Sundowns Supporters.”
The friction stems from a perceived lack of the “ruthlessness” that defined the eras of Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena. Under Cardoso, critics argue the team has become “naïve,” a sentiment the coach himself touched upon in his post-match comments, lamenting the way his side conceded goals despite dominating possession.
THE STAKES FOR CARDOSO AND ECHOES OF THE PAST
The upcoming week serves as a trial by fire for the Portuguese coach, with a gruelling schedule that could ultimately determine his longevity at Chloorkop. This high-stakes period begins on Tuesday with a tricky Betway Premiership trip to Polokwane to face Sekhukhune United, followed immediately by a Champions League clash against Al Hilal in Rwanda on Friday.
Meanwhile, history suggests the Sundowns board rarely ignores the “voice of the stands” for long. From the forced exit of Hristo Stoichkov in 2010 to the dismissal of Johan Neeskens in 2012, the club has a precedent for shifting gears when the relationship between the fans and the dugout turns irreparable.
But it seems chairman Tlhopie Motsepe is standing by his man. But with legal threats now being issued against the club’s own supporters, the “Brazilians” find themselves in the middle of a civil war that even a league title might not be enough to settle.
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