Miguel Cardoso Faces Uncertain Future at Sundowns as Komphela and Mngqithi Emerge as Interim Candidates

After losing the CAF Champions League against Wiliete SC of Angola, Mamelodi Sundowns may be undergoing yet another big managerial change.

Speculation has emerged that the reigning champions are contemplating firing head coach Miguel Cardoso after their elimination from Africa's top club championship. There has been no formal confirmation of the purported departure or the club's next move.

Last season, the Portuguese strategist led Masandawana to Champions League triumph. However, after a dismal continental campaign, he is under additional criticism. Many were hoping Sundowns would successfully defend their title, but their trip came to a premature end.

In the first leg in Angola, Sundowns were kept scoreless by Wiliete. On Friday nite, they played to a 1-1 tie at Loftus Versfeld. The Pretoria giants took an early lead via Tashreeq Matthews, but the veteran Angolan attacker Mabululu levelled the score soon after the break.

After that, Wiliete remained resolute to qualify using the away-goals rule, while Sundowns reflected on a disappointing loss in front of their home fans.

Supposedly, in the event that Cardoso resigns, the club's administration is looking at assistant coach Steve Komphela and former Sundowns mentor Manqoba Mngqithi as potential temporary replacements.

Having been a part of Sundowns' coaching staff for two prior winning seasons, Komphela is well-versed in the club's inner workings and procedures. Given his background, he may be a viable choice for the club in case they decide to make a quick move.

Mngqithi, on the other hand, is well-versed in the Sundowns system. Working as a member of the technical staff that helped create the Tshwane giants' domination in South African football, the seasoned coach has prior experience with the club. To his extensive background in African club football, he has also managed Young Africans (Yanga), a formidable team from Tanzania.

Additional information suggests that on Monday, Sundowns management and Cardoso's agents would meet to discuss the potential termination of his employment and the financial settlement that will be involved.

No formal announcement has been made on the scheduled meeting or settlement, but these talks might decide if the club and coach agree to sever their working partnership.

The surprise Champions League departure has made Cardoso's situation a big discussion topic. Any choice about the technical staff, however, might have far-reaching effects for the rest of the season, since Sundowns still have domestic tournaments to compete in.

For the time being, however, fans will have to wait for the club to provide an official statement before they can stop wondering about Cardoso's future.

Sundowns may soon have to make a pivotal choice about their management and course of action after one of the most disheartening outcomes of their continental season, should the rumoured events come to fruition.

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