Miguel Reisinho leaves Mamelodi Sundowns after just one season

Miguel Reisinho has left Mamelodi Sundowns after a single season with the reigning African champions, bringing an early end to the Portuguese midfielder’s time in South Africa.

Reisinho joined Sundowns at the start of the 2025/26 campaign on a free transfer from Boavista. His move followed Boavista’s relegation from Portugal’s top flight, with the 27-year-old arriving at Chloorkop as the club looked to strengthen its squad.

The former Portugal youth international agreed a two-year contract with Mamelodi Sundowns. The deal also included an option for the club to extend his stay for a further season.

However, Reisinho was unable to establish himself as a regular member of Miguel Cardoso’s team. He made 14 appearances in all competitions during his first campaign with the Brazilians, scoring two goals and supplying one assist.

The lack of consistent playing time led to uncertainty over his future at the club. Discussions were reportedly held in June regarding the possibility of ending his stay, and those talks have now concluded with the midfielder’s departure.

Reisinho is expected to consider his options as he searches for his next club. Teams in Portugal have been linked with an interest in signing him, while a move to another European country or to the Middle East is also understood to be among the possibilities.

Although his role at Sundowns was limited, Reisinho leaves the club with a CAF Champions League winners’ medal. He was part of the squad that lifted the continental trophy during his only season with the South African champions.

Following his departure, Reisinho thanked the club and its supporters for their backing. He also offered a message to the Sundowns fanbase, known as Masandawana.

“Thank you Masandawana, forever in yellow, forever in my heart,” Reisinho said.

His exit means Reisinho’s spell at Mamelodi Sundowns ends after only one year, despite the original agreement allowing for the possibility of a longer stay. The midfielder will now assess his next move after a campaign in which he contributed to the club’s continental success but struggled to secure a regular place in the starting line-up.