Mamelodi Sundowns are under pressure after their shock exit from the CAF Champions League, and questions are now being asked about the future of head coach Miguel Cardoso. Reports say the club 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. Sundowns have not confirmed that Cardoso has been dismissed, and reports of talks over a possible contract termination have not been independently verified. For now, his future remains a matter of speculation.

The defending champions were knocked out by Angolan side Wiliete SC after a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, October 23, 2026. The first leg in Angola had ended goalless, so Sundowns went into the return match expecting to secure a place in the group stage. Tashreeq Matthews gave the home side the lead in the 11th minute, which raised hopes of progress. Wiliete striker Mabululu equalised four minutes into the second half, and the Angolans held on to go through on the away goals rule.

The result ended Sundowns' record of reaching the Champions League group stage in each of the previous 11 editions. It was also a heavy blow for a club that had lifted the continental trophy only months earlier.

Cardoso did not try to hide his disappointment after the match. "Of course, it's a failure. It's a failure from everybody," he said, according to reports of his post-match comments. He explained that Sundowns controlled large parts of the game but did not turn enough chances into goals. He also admitted that the team struggled to handle its emotions after conceding.

He has said the team must now focus on the competitions still open to them this season. Reports published on October 25 say he brushed aside questions about his job security while speaking about the need to recover from the setback.

The names of Komphela and Mngqithi have come up amid the talk of change at the club. Komphela is already part of the technical setup, while Mngqithi has coached Sundowns before and knows what the club expects. However, neither man has been officially named as a replacement, and there is no confirmation that management has appointed an interim coach. The club now has to weigh the risk of a sudden coaching change against the need to respond quickly to a painful continental exit.

Source:

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