Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Roger Feutmba has backed the club’s decision to keep coach Miguel Cardoso in charge. He says the Portuguese coach delivered the CAF Champions League title only a few months ago and should not be dismissed after this season’s early exit.

Sundowns, the defending African champions, failed to reach the group stages of the 2026 CAF Champions League. They were knocked out by Angolan side Wiliete in the preliminary rounds on the away-goals rule. The Brazilians drew 0-0 in Angola before a 1-1 result at Loftus Versfeld ended their title defence. It was the first time in more than a decade that Sundowns missed the group stage of Africa’s top club competition.

Feutmba believes one bad result should not erase recent success. “In my view, you cannot dismiss a coach who led you to a CAF Champions League title just a few months ago,” he told KickOff. “Failure to reach the group stages of a continental competition can happen to any top team in the world.”

He also pointed to positive signs since the exit. Sundowns have reached their second semi-final of the season by progressing in the Carling Knockout. “Seeing Sundowns reach their second consecutive semi-final this season is a positive development. Now that they are out of the Champions League, I like the response from the players and the coaches,” Feutmba said. “Reaching the Carling Knockout semi-final is a significant achievement for the club.”

The former midfielder made it clear that the continental setback has raised the stakes at home. With no more CAF Champions League games, Cardoso must deliver silverware in the remaining domestic competitions. Winning the league is especially important if Sundowns want to return to continental football next season.

“Following the CAF elimination, the coach understands that there is still much to play for in the cup competitions,” Feutmba added. “The league title must also be won if Sundowns are to compete in the CAF Champions League next season. So, yes, the coach must fight for every trophy available this season.”

Cardoso has already guided the team to the MTN8 title earlier in the campaign. Supporters and club officials will now watch closely to see if he can add more domestic trophies and keep Sundowns on top in South African football.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2119355285479227638?a=-M_e_G65H4PSEFGl8XM&s=19