Sundowns Make Cardoso Decision! Why Miguel Cardoso Could Survive Shock Champions League Exit

Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly prepared to exercise patience with head coach Miguel Cardoso despite the club’s shocking early elimination from the CAF Champions League, with the Brazilians expected to avoid making a rushed decision about his future.

The setback has placed Cardoso under intense scrutiny after Sundowns failed to reach the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition, just months after lifting the trophy. However, his achievements since taking charge could give him valuable breathing room as the Tshwane giants turn their attention towards the remaining competitions this season.

According to reports published on 26 October 2026, Sundowns are not expected to react impulsively to the disappointment. While the club has not publicly announced a formal decision on Cardoso’s future, his recent success is an important consideration in assessing his position.

Sundowns’ continental campaign ended on Friday, 23 October, when they drew 1-1 against Angolan outfit Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The Brazilians had played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Angola, meaning the return fixture offered them an opportunity to secure qualification in front of their home supporters.

Tashreeq Matthews gave Sundowns an early lead, raising hopes that the defending champions would progress. However, Wiliete striker Mabululu scored the equaliser in the second half, and the visitors advanced on the away-goals rule.

The result was a major disappointment for a club that had won the competition last season and reached the group stages consistently for more than a decade.

Cardoso acknowledged the seriousness of the failure, admitting that Sundowns had created opportunities but failed to convert enough chances to secure qualification.

Why Cardoso Could Be Given More Time

Despite the continental disappointment, Cardoso has delivered significant achievements during his tenure. He guided Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title last season and has also overseen other trophy-winning campaigns.

Those successes could influence how club management evaluates the current situation. Replacing a coach immediately after a disappointing result does not automatically guarantee better performances, particularly when the team is competing across several competitions.

Nevertheless, patience will not remove the pressure on Cardoso. Sundowns supporters expect their team to challenge for major honours, and an exit at the preliminary stage falls well below the club’s established continental ambitions.

The coming weeks will therefore be important in determining whether the team can respond positively and restore confidence.

Carling Knockout Offers An Immediate Test

Cardoso has already urged his players to focus on the competitions still available to them, stressing that there is more silverware to pursue.

Sundowns are scheduled to face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout last 16 on Tuesday, 27 October. The fixture gives the team an immediate opportunity to respond to the disappointment and demonstrate that the setback will not derail the rest of the campaign.

Source:

https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2114764525727609152