The Reason Mamelodi Sundowns Management Made Final Decision On Cardoso After Shock CFA Exit

SUNDOWNS BOMBSHELL! CARDOSO SET TO SURVIVE AFTER SHOCK CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — 26 OCTOBER 2026 — Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly prepared to exercise patience with head coach Miguel Cardoso despite the club’s shocking elimination from the CAF Champions League, with the Portuguese tactician’s previous successes potentially working in his favour.

The Brazilians suffered a painful setback on Friday night when Angolan side Wiliete SC eliminated them from Africa’s premier club competition at the preliminary stage, ending Sundowns’ remarkable run of reaching the group stages for 11 consecutive seasons.

Despite the disappointment, reports suggest that Sundowns are not rushing into making a decision about Cardoso’s future, with the club expected to assess the bigger picture rather than react emotionally to one disappointing result.

The 54-year-old coach guided Masandawana to their second CAF Champions League title last season, a major achievement that strengthened his position at Chloorkop. His recent successes also include winning the MTN8 and the African-Asian-Pacific Cup this season.

According to reports published by South African football media, those achievements could give Cardoso valuable breathing room as the club considers its next steps.

Sundowns entered the second leg against Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld needing a strong performance to secure their place in the next round after the first leg ended in a goalless draw in Angola.

Tashreeq Matthews gave the defending champions an early lead in the return fixture, raising hopes that they would progress. However, Wiliete striker Cristóvão Mabululu equalised early in the second half.

The match finished 1-1, allowing the Angolan outfit to advance on the away-goals rule.

The result represented a significant disappointment for a club that had lifted the continental trophy only months earlier.

Cardoso admitted that his team had created enough opportunities to win but failed to convert its chances when it mattered most.

He also accepted collective responsibility, insisting that the setback involved the players, coaching staff and everyone associated with the club.

Although the continental exit has increased scrutiny of the technical team, Sundowns still have several major objectives this season.

The club will now turn its attention to domestic competitions, including the Betway Premiership, the Carling Knockout Cup and the Nedbank Cup. They are also preparing for the CAF Super Cup final against USM Alger on 8 November.

Cardoso has urged his team to respond positively, describing the elimination as a painful blow but emphasising that the season is far from over.

For Sundowns supporters, the immediate priority will be seeing the team return to winning ways and demonstrate that the disappointment in continental football will not derail their domestic ambitions.

Whether Cardoso can retain the club’s confidence in the long term will depend on results and performances in the coming weeks. For now, his previous achievements remain an important part of the conversation surrounding his future.

Source https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2114764525727609152

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