Mamelodi Sundowns could be heading for a major change on the coaching side after their shock exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Angolan club Wiliete SC. Reports say the club is considering parting ways with head coach Miguel Cardoso after the defending champions failed to secure a place in the group stage of Africa's top club competition. Neither his departure nor the club's next steps have been officially confirmed.

The early exit has put fresh pressure on the Portuguese coach, who guided Masandawana to Champions League glory last season. Expectations were high that Sundowns would defend their title, but their run ended much sooner than anyone expected.

The first leg in Angola finished goalless. In the return match at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, Tashreeq Matthews gave the Pretoria side an early lead. Experienced Angolan striker Mabululu pulled Wiliete level soon after half-time, and the 1-1 draw was enough for the visitors to go through on the away goals rule. Sundowns were left to deal with a costly setback in front of their own supporters.

According to the reports, club management is looking at assistant coach Steve Komphela and former Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi as possible interim replacements if Cardoso leaves. Komphela already knows the club's systems and working environment, having been part of the technical team during earlier successful campaigns. That experience could make him a practical option if the club decides to act quickly.

Mngqithi also knows the Sundowns setup well. He worked at the club before and was part of the technical team that helped build its dominance in South African football. He has since added experience of African club football by coaching Tanzanian giants Young Africans, also known as Yanga.

Further reports say Cardoso's representatives are expected to meet Sundowns management on Monday to discuss a possible end to his contract and the financial settlement that would come with it. Talks like these could show whether the club and the coach are ready to end their working relationship. However, there has been no official confirmation of the meeting or of any agreement.

Cardoso's position has become a major talking point since the Champions League exit. Sundowns still have domestic competitions to play, so any decision about the technical team could affect the rest of their season.

For now, supporters are waiting for clear word from the club as the speculation around Cardoso's future continues to grow. If the reports prove true, Sundowns will soon have to make an important choice about who leads the team and which direction it takes after one of the most disappointing results of their continental campaign.

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