Mamelodi Sundowns fans demand Cardoso exit after Super Cup defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns supporters called for coach Miguel Cardoso to leave after the Portuguese manager watched his side lose 3-1 to USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

A section of the home support turned on Cardoso as he boarded the team bus after the defeat, chanting: “Cardoso must go!”

The result denied Sundowns the continental title and an R8.2 million prize. It also intensified criticism of Cardoso during an increasingly difficult season for the South African club.

Sundowns had hoped to add the CAF Super Cup to the MTN8 and African-Asian-Pacific Cup trophies they had already won. However, their afternoon deteriorated after midfielder Nuno Santos suffered a pre-match injury and striker Brayan Leon was forced off early.

The hosts briefly recovered when Iqraam Rayners scored from the penalty spot in the 25th minute to make it 1-1. But defensive mistakes allowed USM Alger to take control, with Zakaria Draoui, Saadi Radouani and Ahmed Khaldi involved in the Algerian side’s decisive scoring.

The 3-1 defeat left the home crowd stunned and prompted angry scenes outside the stadium.

Growing pressure on Cardoso

Cardoso led Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title last season, but supporters have become increasingly concerned by what they view as a decline in the team’s tactical performances.

That frustration was compounded by the club’s surprise elimination from this season’s Champions League qualifiers by Angolan side Wiliete SC.

Videos shared on social media showed groups of supporters gathered near the stadium’s exit tunnels after the loss. They called for Cardoso’s resignation while security officials escorted the coaching staff on to the team bus.

The reaction leaves Sundowns’ management facing a significant decision over the coach’s future. The club hierarchy has so far strongly supported Cardoso, citing the silverware he has won and his nomination for the CAF Men’s Coach of the Year award.

The defeat to USM Alger, however, has brought the growing discontent into the open, with the supporters’ response showing the pressure now surrounding the Portuguese coach.