CAF boss Patrice Motsepe backs under-fire Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has reportedly received the backing of the club’s hierarchy to remain in charge despite growing pressure following the team’s recent disappointment in the CAF Super Cup final.

The Portuguese tactician’s future had come under scrutiny after Sundowns suffered defeat in the continental showpiece, with sections of the club’s supporters expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership and calling for a managerial change.

However, the club’s owner and CAF president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, has reportedly intervened to settle the uncertainty surrounding the coach’s position.

According to reports, Motsepe and sporting director Flemming Berg have informed the club’s board of directors and chairman Thlopie Motsepe that Cardoso will continue as head coach.

The decision means the former Esperance coach is expected to remain in charge at least until the end of the current season, despite the growing criticism surrounding his performances.

The club’s influential leadership is reportedly convinced that making a managerial change at this stage of the campaign could disrupt the team’s long-term development plans and negatively affect their ambitions across different competitions.

Rather than reacting to the disappointment in the Super Cup final, Sundowns’ hierarchy are understood to favour continuity, giving Cardoso the opportunity to address the team’s shortcomings and restore confidence within the squad.

The Portuguese coach is expected to have the necessary support and freedom to work on improving the team’s performances in the domestic league and the CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, the club’s management will reportedly concentrate on providing the technical team with the necessary conditions and resources to improve their competitiveness as the season progresses.

Cardoso’s position has attracted considerable attention following Sundowns’ recent struggles to meet the expectations of their demanding supporters, particularly given the club’s dominance in South African football and ambitions on the African continent.

The Brazilians have consistently set high standards domestically and in continental competitions, making every disappointing result a subject of intense scrutiny.

However, the reported decision to retain Cardoso signals the club’s preference for stability and continuity rather than making an immediate change in the dugout.

With the backing of Motsepe and the club’s sporting leadership, Cardoso now faces the responsibility of translating that confidence into improved performances and results.

His immediate focus will be on guiding Sundowns through the remainder of the campaign, with success in the domestic league and the CAF Champions League expected to remain central to the club’s ambitions.

For now, the Portuguese tactician appears set to continue his project at Chloorkop, although the pressure to deliver results will remain high.