Mamelodi Sundowns may be heading for another coaching change after their surprise exit from the CAF Champions League against Angola's Wiliete SC. Reports say the club is considering parting ways with head coach Miguel Cardoso, but nothing has been confirmed officially, either about his future or about what the club will do next.

Cardoso, a Portuguese coach, led Sundowns to the Champions League title last season, so expectations were high that the team would defend its crown. Instead, the defending champions failed to reach the group stage, and the pressure on him has grown quickly.

The first leg in Angola ended 0-0. In the return match at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, Tashreeq Matthews gave Sundowns an early lead. Wiliete striker Mabululu, an experienced forward, equalised shortly after half-time. The match finished 1-1, and Wiliete went through on away goals, which left the home supporters watching a costly result.

According to the reports, the club's management is looking at assistant coach Steve Komphela and former Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi as possible interim replacements if Cardoso leaves. Komphela already knows how the club works, since he has been part of the technical team in earlier successful seasons. That could make him a practical choice if Sundowns want to act straight away. Mngqithi also knows the club well. He worked there before and was part of the technical team that helped build Sundowns' strong record in South African football. He has also coached Tanzania's Young Africans, so he has experience in African club football as well.

Other reports say Cardoso's representatives are due to meet Sundowns management on Monday to talk about ending his contract and the payment that would come with it. These talks could decide whether the two sides agree to part. Neither the meeting nor any settlement has been officially announced.

Cardoso's position has become a major talking point since the loss. Still, Sundowns have domestic competitions to play, so any change in the technical team could affect the rest of their season.

For now, supporters are waiting for a clear statement from the club. If the reports prove true, Sundowns will soon have to make an important decision about who leads the team and which direction it takes after one of its most disappointing results in Africa this season.

Source https://x.com/rushsportsnews/status/2114103294171734127