Hossam Hassan emerges as a candidate to replace Miguel Cardoso at Mamelodi Sundowns

Former Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has reportedly emerged as a potential candidate to replace Miguel Cardoso as head coach of South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.

Reports from Egypt suggest Hassan’s name has been presented to Sundowns officials as the club considers its options following a difficult period under Cardoso.

The Portuguese tactician has come under increasing pressure this season after failing to guide the Brazilians back to the CAF Champions League and suffering a 3-1 defeat to USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup.

According to Egyptian publication El Balad, Hassan has been included on Sundowns’ managerial shortlist following an initial approach from a Moroccan marketing company.

Egyptian media personality and journalist Abdel Nasser Zidan reported that the company had contacted Hassan’s twin brother and assistant, Ibrahim Hassan, before presenting the former striker’s name to Sundowns.

“Hossam Hassan has topped the list of candidates to coach South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the coming period,” Zidan said, as quoted by El Balad.

“A Moroccan marketing company contacted Ibrahim Hassan and presented the initial proposal. It put Hossam Hassan’s name forward to Sundowns officials a few hours ago, and the proposal was received very positively,” he added.

Hassan, who previously managed the Egypt national team, is reportedly open to taking charge of a major club, although his preference remains coaching at international level.

Zidan indicated that the 59-year-old and his brother are keen to return to work following their departure from the Egyptian national team.

“Hossam Hassan has no objection to coaching a big club, but he gives priority to managing national teams. The twins are planning to return to work quickly after leaving the Egypt national team,” he said.

The journalist also revealed that the Moroccan company has other proposals for Hassan should a move to Sundowns fail to materialise.

Sundowns are reportedly assessing their coaching options amid concerns over the team’s recent performances under Cardoso.

However, there has been no official confirmation from the South African club regarding Hassan’s potential appointment, with the Egyptian’s links to the job remaining at the reported proposal stage.