Mamelodi Sundowns are at a critical juncture in their season following another cup setback that has placed head coach Miguel Cardoso firmly under the spotlight. After crashing out of the Carling Knockout Round of 16 against Marumo Gallants, questions are growing louder about whether the club will continue to back the Portuguese mentor or decide it’s time for a change.
Mounting Pressure After Another Cup Exit
The Brazilians’ 7–6 penalty defeat to Gallants after 120 goalless minutes marked their second heartbreaking exit of the season, following their MTN8 semi-final loss to Orlando Pirates, also on penalties. For a club that prides itself on dominance, these eliminations have left fans restless.
Sundowns, known for their relentless pursuit of silverware, now find themselves competing for only two major trophies, the Betway Premiership and the Nedbank Cup. While still among the frontrunners in the league, performances have lacked the usual flair and authority that define the Chloorkop giants. With one defeat and three draws in their opening ten league fixtures, inconsistency has been a major talking point.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ High Standards
Sundowns’ management has never shied away from making bold decisions when success appears to be slipping. In recent years, both Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi were shown the door despite strong domestic runs, mainly because of the club’s failure to capture the CAF Champions League crown.
That trophy remains the ultimate benchmark for the Sundowns hierarchy, a goal that continues to elude them despite domestic dominance. Cardoso’s failure to deliver early silverware has therefore raised alarm bells, though surprisingly, the board has shown signs of patience this time around.
Cardoso’s Calm Amid the Criticism
Under mounting scrutiny, Cardoso has remained composed, praising his team’s fighting spirit despite their recent setbacks.
“The commitment from the players was clear. They fought until the end, and that gives me confidence,” he said after the Gallants defeat. “With that intensity and unity, results will turn our way.”
The 53-year-old tactician has also defended his team’s performances, insisting that their downfall has often been due to fine margins rather than a lack of effort or quality. “When matches go to penalties, it can go either way,” he added.
Divided Supporters but Some Voices Urge Patience
While frustration is growing among supporters, some within the club’s inner circles and former players believe Cardoso deserves time to implement his ideas. Former Sundowns defender Wayne Arendse, a CAF Champions League winner in 2016 believes the coach’s true test lies ahead in continental competition.
“I don’t think Cardoso should panic just yet,” Arendse told Soccer Laduma. “Sundowns want the big fish, the Champions League. That’s the competition that really defines them. He’ll be judged there.”
Arendse pointed out that Sundowns’ run to last season’s Champions League final, where they narrowly lost to Pyramids, showed the progress made under Cardoso. He argued that the coach deserves a full season to mould the squad in his vision.
The Importance of the International Break
The upcoming international window presents Cardoso with a vital opportunity to reset and re-energise his side before the domestic season resumes. However, the absence of key players, including promising defender Malibongwe Khoza, who recently earned his first Bafana Bafana call-up, will limit his options.
Cardoso has taken pride in seeing his young talents gain national recognition, highlighting Khoza’s performances as evidence of Sundowns’ strong development pathway. “He’s done well for the team and has a bright future,” the coach said, emphasising his belief in the club’s depth and long-term project.
Faith or Final Warning?
Despite their early exits, Sundowns remain top of the Betway Premiership standings, which may buy Cardoso some time. Yet, history suggests that patience at Chloorkop is never endless. The club’s ambitions are clear: to dominate both locally and on the continent.
For now, Cardoso’s fate seems tied to how Sundowns fare in the CAF Champions League. Should he guide the team deep into the competition, he could silence his critics and secure stability. But another early exit might spell the end of his tenure.
As Sundowns prepare for the next phase of their campaign, all eyes will be on whether Cardoso can transform mounting pressure into renewed momentum. The coming months will define not only his future but also whether the Brazilians can reclaim their aura of invincibility.
Related article: Miguel Cardoso Fumes After Mamelodi Sundowns’ 1-0 Shock Defeat
