Mamelodi Sundowns set to keep faith with Miguel Cardoso after Champions League exit

Mamelodi Sundowns are not expected to make a hasty decision over head coach Miguel Cardoso despite their shock early elimination from the CAF Champions League.

The defending champions were knocked out on Friday after drawing 1-1 with Angolan side Wiliete. The result followed a goalless first leg away from home, sending Sundowns out before the group stage for the first time since they won the competition in 2016.

The result has intensified scrutiny on Cardoso at a club that has established a strong record of reaching the latter stages of the Champions League. However, Sundowns are understood to remain committed to the Portuguese coach and are prepared to give him the opportunity to continue in charge.

Cardoso has guided the team to two Champions League finals and overseen success in the Betway Premiership and, more recently, the MTN8. Despite the disappointment of their continental exit, Soccer Laduma understands that he is unlikely to leave Chloorkop at this stage.

Sundowns still have several opportunities to add to their silverware this season. They have already won the MTN8 and the FIFA African-Asian Pacific Cup, and are due to compete in the Carling Knockout Cup, CAF Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup in the coming weeks.

The club is now assessing the consequences of the Champions League setback while planning to move forward with Cardoso at the helm. The immediate focus will be on domestic competition, as Sundowns face Marumo Gallants in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout at Loftus Stadium tomorrow night.

They will also meet Algerian club USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup on November 8, with the club hoping those fixtures can provide further chances to secure trophies.