Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has explained the club’s stance on Miguel Cardoso’s future amid immense pressure from the supporters to sack the coach.
The Portuguese mentor has endured heavy criticism in the last few months following Sundowns’ recent inconsistent performances. Masandawana’s underwhelming performances in the current campaign included crashing out of all the domestic cups, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Nedbank Cup.
Sundowns have also been unconvincing in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, despite qualifying for the knockout stage. The Brazilians booked a spot in the quarter-final in the last match of the group stages with a 2-1 win over Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger.
They finished second in Group C of the Champions League with nine points in six matches, while Al Hilal topped the group with 11 points. In the Betway Premiership, Sundowns have faced a tough challenge against Orlando Pirates, who are aiming to end the Downs’ dominance of winning the league for eight successive seasons.
This season, Pirates are going pound for pound with Sundowns in the title race. The Chloorkop-based side is occupying the top spot with 38 points, the same as Pirates, who are second on the league table.
Sundowns’ inconsistent run of form has left the club’s supporters frustrated, calling for Miguel Cardoso to be fired with immediate effect. A few weeks ago, Sundowns supporters attacked Cardoso alongside the club’s sporting director, Flemming Berg.
Moreso in several matches, fans have been heard chanting “Pitso, Pitso, Pitso,” calling for the return of the club’s highly successful former coach, who has recently been linked with a move back to the team.
WHAT THLOPIE MOTSEPE SAID ABOUT CARDOSO’S FUTURE AT SUNDOWNS
Despite calls for Cardoso to be sacked, the Sundowns hierarchy has seemingly thrown its weight behind the former Esperance coach. Club chairman Thlopie Motsepe has argued that the events of this season don’t warrant the firing of the coach.
“Thank you for the question. I think I must correct the statement [regarding the coach’s mandate]. What I said was that we want to improve the football; we have a goal we want to achieve in the Champions League, and to be successful in those competitions,” Motsepe said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools—a partnership with Global Soccer Schools International—on Friday in Midrand.
SUNDOWNS CHAIRMAN BACKS COACH
“I don’t think we ever said that if things dip, we would fire the coach. However, given the team’s performance this season, you have to look at it in context. Where are we in terms of our league position? At this time last year, we were first; we are still first this season, and we have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. So, that dream is still very much alive.
“If you look at it from a global perspective—if you put this team in any other league and say you are competing for the title and are in the Champions League quarter-finals—I’m not sure that would warrant immediate or drastic action. Of course, we would have hoped to win a couple more trophies by this stage of the season.
“The coach has acknowledged that as well. Our players started the season with the ambition to be completely successful, and that’s what we aim for every year. While the ups and downs have been a bit disappointing, what has made me incredibly proud is the resilience of the team under the pressure and criticism we have faced.”
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