Feutmba says Sundowns cannot sack Champions League-winning Cardoso

Roger Feutmba has backed Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to retain Miguel Cardoso, saying a coach who guided the club to the CAF Champions League title only a few months ago should not be dismissed.

The Portuguese manager failed to lead Sundowns into the CAF Champions League group stages, but Feutmba believes that setback should not outweigh his recent success with the club.

Feutmba also acknowledged that the continental exit has increased the pressure on Cardoso to deliver across all remaining domestic competitions this season.

“Seeing Sundowns reach their second consecutive semi-final this season is a positive development. Now that they are out of the Champions League, I like the response from the players and the coaches,” Feutmba told KickOff.

He was referring to Sundowns’ progress to the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout, which he described as an important achievement for the club.

“Reaching the Carling Knockout semi-final is a significant achievement for the club. In my view, you cannot dismiss a coach who led you to a CAF Champions League title just a few months ago,” he said.

Sundowns’ failure to reach the group phase of this season’s CAF Champions League came after they had won the competition previously under Cardoso. Feutmba said such an outcome could happen to any leading side and should not, by itself, determine the coach’s future.

“Failure to reach the group stages of a continental competition can happen to any top team in the world,” he said.

With the Champions League campaign over, Feutmba said Cardoso must now focus on the trophies that remain available domestically.

“Following the CAF elimination, the coach understands that there is still much to play for in the cup competitions,” he added.

The league is also a major priority. Sundowns must win the domestic title if they are to qualify for the CAF Champions League again next season, according to Feutmba.

“The league title must also be won if Sundowns are to compete in the CAF Champions League next season. So, yes, the coach must fight for every trophy available this season,” he said.

Feutmba’s comments amount to strong support for Sundowns’ management after the club chose not to dismiss Cardoso following the disappointing continental result. He accepts that expectations have now risen, with the coach required to challenge for every remaining honour.