Miguel Cardoso Snaps at Journalist as Pressure Mounts on Mamelodi Sundowns Coach

• Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso lost his cool after being asked if a 0-0 draw with Kaizer Chiefs had saved his job
• The Portuguese tactician is under mounting pressure following Sundowns’ MTN8 exit and inconsistent league form
• Supporters are divided, with some calling for his dismissal while others insist on backing him through the storm

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso snapped under pressure on Wednesday night after his side was held to a goalless draw by Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium.,

Sundowns were fortunate to leave the Calabash with a point, as Chiefs created the better chances in front of a vibrant 65,000 crowd but failed to find the net.

The stalemate piled more pressure on Cardoso, who is still reeling from his side’s MTN8 semi-final exit at the hands of Orlando Pirates.

The Portuguese tactician lost his cool when asked if the draw had saved his job, cutting off the question with a sharp rebuke:

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Nabi Explains Why He Was Frustrated Despite Kaizer Chiefs’ Top Performance Against Sundowns

'Next question, please. Don’t joke with me, sir.'

Watch the clip below of a fuming Cardoso:

He further pointed out that Chiefs had strengthened their squad and were backed by more than 65,000 fans, while Sundowns still managed moments of control during the contest. Cardoso has defended his record, arguing that the criticism overlooks the quality of Sundowns’ recent opponents.

Sundowns defeated Kaizer Chiefs both home and away in the Betway Premiership last season, but the Glamour Boys got the better of the Pretoria-based giants in their last match, which was in the Nedbank Cup semi-final, with a controversial goal from Ashley Preez deciding the tie.

“We drew twice with Orlando and Kaizer Chiefs, who were top of the table. What do you expect, that we’ll just arrive here and score five goals? Respect the opponent," he said.

How did the Sundowns fans react to the match result?

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Miguel Cardoso faces fire as Sundowns fall to Pirates

Supporters have grown increasingly restless, with some chanting “Cardoso Makahambe” after the final whistle, a call for his dismissal that has only intensified since the Pirates' defeat.

Take a look at the clip below:

On social media, reactions were mixed, but critical voices dominated.

@pmatsepane:

“We’re scammed here. That coach is a fraud.”

@DevoeBaloyi:

“Cardoso must go!!!!”

@bogolo_scott:

“The team is currently unrecognisable. Let’s hope it’s a phase. Also, believe we should start letting go of certain players gradually, while we introduce players that will carry us for the next 5 seasons.”

@MS_Sharpeville:

“For as long as Don Cardoso is at Sundowns, some of us will support him through the good and the bad. That’s what supporters do.”

@UppityVulcan:

“They must relax, maan.”

@phungula_BC:

“All South Africans should want this. Foreign coaches coming in should take our teams to another level. This one has taken the best team in our country backwards by country miles. I’m a Chiefs fan, but I worry that a poor Sundowns will negatively affect Bafana.”

Read also

All eyes on Cardoso in high-stakes clash between Sundowns and Chiefs after MTN8 exit

@Sibusisokhanyas:

“Winning is addictive.”

What Next for Cardoso?

Despite his defiance, Cardoso’s irritated response and defensive tone painted the picture of a coach buckling under pressure.

With only three wins from seven league matches, the scrutiny from both the stands and the boardroom is unlikely to ease any time soon.

Cardoso gives update on Bafana star's future

Briefly News earlier reported that Cardoso provided an update on a South African international's future at Sundowns this summer.

The Bafana Bafana star has been linked with a move to other teams, but he is still with the Brazilians fighting for his place in the starting line-up.,

Source: Briefly News