Mamelodi Sundowns confirm Miguel Reisinho exit after one season

Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the departure of Portuguese midfielder Miguel Reisinho after only one season with the club, with both parties agreeing to end his contract early.

The 27-year-old’s deal was originally due to run until the end of the current season, but Sundowns have now announced that his services have been terminated by mutual consent.

Reisinho joined the club shortly after the beginning of the 2025/26 season, arriving at Chloorkop alongside fellow Portuguese player and playmaker Nuno Santos. He was brought in with significant expectations after establishing a reputation as a technically gifted midfielder in Liga Portugal.

His time with the South African club, however, did not develop as anticipated. Unlike Santos, Reisinho was unable to secure a regular place in the starting line-up and struggled to establish himself in head coach Miguel Cardoso’s plans.

His debut offered an early indication of the difficulties ahead. The midfielder was sent off only minutes after entering his first appearance for Sundowns, an incident which set an unhelpful tone for his spell at Masandawana.

Reisinho ultimately made 14 appearances for the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Despite those contributions, he could not displace the established midfield options available to Cardoso.

His competition for a place included Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende and the late Jayden Adams. With those players ahead of him in the pecking order, Reisinho found it difficult to turn his opportunities into a sustained run in the team.

Sundowns’ decision brings his brief stay at Chloorkop to an end before the expiry of his original agreement. The club’s confirmation means the midfielder leaves having completed one season in the Masandawana squad, but without becoming a consistent starter.

His departure also marks the latest change to Sundowns’ playing group during the current campaign. Reisinho arrived as a highly regarded technical midfielder from Liga Portugal, but his limited involvement and early disciplinary setback prevented him from making the expected impact.

The move to Sundowns had initially been made in the same period as Santos’ arrival, although the two players experienced contrasting fortunes at the club. While Reisinho failed to settle into the side, Santos was able to make a stronger impression.

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