Mamelodi Sundowns Miguel Cardoso is looking for a quick bounce back after their shocking exit from the Caf Champions League.

Image: BACKPAGEPIX

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has challenged his players to respond to their shock CAF Champions League elimination when they face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout last 16 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday.

Sundowns were knocked out after a draw against Angola’s Wiliete SC on Friday, ending their hopes of defending the continental title they won last season.

The result was a major setback for the Tshwane giants, who had made the Champions League their primary objective despite already lifting the MTN8 and FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup this season.

Cardoso admitted the disappointment would be difficult to shake off but insists his team must redirect its focus towards the competitions that remain.

“For the rest of the season, it means that we have to focus even more on the competitions that we have to play,” Cardoso said.

“We already have a qualifying match for the Carling Knockout on Tuesday, and then we have the important championship match against Durban City on Saturday.

“And then we have a Super Cup final to play, so there are a lot of trophies to play for; obviously we won’t forget what it means to be out of the Champions League.”

The Portuguese coach acknowledged the magnitude of the setback, particularly given Sundowns’ recent record in the competition. 

The club had reached three consecutive finals before winning the title last season and were expected to reach the group stage for a 10th successive campaign.

“It is hard for the club, and it is hard for the coaches, as you can imagine. For me, it is hard after being in the final three years in a row, and it is hard for the club, as it was supposed to be the 10th straight time in the group stage,” he said.

“Maybe it is an important lesson to look ahead, and we need to focus ahead.”

Sundowns remain in contention for domestic honours and will also face USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld on 8 November.

@Masandawana We are with the boys in these difficult times, that being said, they need to step up in all honestly. We are in distraught as fans. We never had much interest in local trophies. You made us fall inlove with CAFCL now you take that away from us. Can’t be excited to play Marumo 😔

— Katleho Success 👁️‍🗨️ (@mabaso_katleho) October 25, 2026

However, Cardoso believes the team’s response to the Wiliete defeat will determine how the remainder of their campaign unfolds.

“We have won two trophies, and we’re leading the league in South Africa, but this one is a big knockout,” he said.

“It’s a big punch in our face. What will make us stronger is how we’ll react, because there are so many things to win.”

Cardoso also called for collective reflection, acknowledging that the elimination demands an honest assessment from everyone at the club.

“As I understand it, when we win, everybody wins, and when we lose, everybody loses. There are many reflections that we have to do together, but what will speak for Sundowns is the greatness that will come after this defeat.”

Tuesday’s clash against Gallants offers Sundowns their first opportunity to respond on the pitch. 

With their continental title defence over, the pressure is now on Cardoso and his players to show they can recover and turn the disappointment into renewed purpose.