Sundowns Bombshell! Miguel Cardoso’s Future Under Threat After Wiliete Disaster As Komphela And Mngqithi Linked To Interim Role

Mamelodi Sundowns are facing mounting pressure following their shock elimination from the CAF Champions League, with growing questions surrounding head coach Miguel Cardoso’s future at the club.

Reports circulating after the Brazilians’ disappointing result against Angolan outfit Wiliete SC claim that Sundowns could consider a change in the technical team. Assistant coach Steve Komphela and former Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi have been mentioned as possible interim options if the club decides to make a change.

However, Sundowns have not publicly confirmed that Cardoso has been dismissed, and the reported negotiations over a possible contract termination have not been independently verified. The coach’s immediate future remains a subject of speculation following one of the club’s most painful continental setbacks in recent years.

Wiliete Elimination Leaves Sundowns Reeling

The Brazilians were eliminated from the CAF Champions League after drawing 1-1 with Wiliete at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, 23 October 2026.

The first leg in Angola had ended in a goalless draw, meaning the return fixture was expected to give Sundowns an opportunity to secure their place in the group stages.

Tashreeq Matthews put the home side ahead in the 11th minute, raising hopes that the defending champions would progress. However, Angolan striker Mabululu equalised four minutes into the second half, with Wiliete holding on to advance on the away-goals rule.

The result ended Sundowns’ run of reaching the Champions League group stages in each of the previous 11 editions, making the elimination a major setback for a club that had lifted the continental trophy just months earlier. <Cite refs={["turn730491news23","turn730491search2"]}/>

Cardoso Accepts Responsibility

Cardoso did not attempt to hide his disappointment after the match, acknowledging that the result represented a failure for the team.

“Of course, it’s a failure. It’s a failure from everybody,” he said, according to reports of his post-match comments.

The Portuguese coach explained that Sundowns had controlled significant portions of the match but failed to convert enough chances to secure qualification. He also admitted that the team struggled to manage its emotions after conceding.

Despite the criticism, Cardoso has stressed that Sundowns must now concentrate on the competitions still available to them this season. Reports published on 25 October indicate that he has also brushed aside questions about his job security while outlining the need to recover from the disappointment. <Cite refs={["turn730491search3","turn730491search9"]}/>

Komphela And Mngqithi Linked To Possible Changes

The names of Komphela and Mngqithi have surfaced amid speculation about possible changes at Chloorkop. Komphela is already part of Sundowns’ technical setup, while Mngqithi previously coached the club and understands its expectations.

Nevertheless, neither man has been officially announced as Cardoso’s replacement, and there is no verified confirmation that management has appointed an interim coach.

The club must weigh the consequences of a sudden coaching change against the need to respond quickly to the continental disappointment.

Source:

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