CAF Champions League: Why Miguel Cardoso Could Be Sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns Before End of Season
- Mamelodi Sundowns could be parting ways with their head coach, Miguel Cardoso, as the Portuguese tactician continues to struggle in the CAF Champions League
- The Tshwane Outfit have managed just one win in their five group games in the competition, and are on the brink of elimination
- A football analyst has explained to Briefly News why the Premier Soccer League giants could consider letting the Portuguese gaffer leave
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso is under pressure to lose his job at Chloorklop after the Brazilians dropped points again in the CAF Champions League in the Group phase.
Source: Getty Images
The Premier Soccer League giants' chances of qualifying for the quarter finals of the competition now look slim after being held to a 1-1 draw by Saint-Eloi Lupopo on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Last weekend, the Pretoria giants stumbled to a defeat against Al Hilal in Kigali, Rwanda, which means they need to win their last match against Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger.
Why Cardoso could be sacked by Sundowns
Football analyst Uche Anuma, in an exclusive chat with Briefly News, outlined why Cardoso could be sacked by Sundowns before the end of the ongoing season.
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"Mamelodi Sundowns failing to get the desired three points against Lupopo has put Cardoso at the risk of losing his job before the end of the season," he said.
"We know the CAF Champions League is competitive, but Sundowns giving Cardoso everything he wants to do well in the competition makes it harder for the Portuguese tactician.
"Aside from today's match, the Brazilians have shown too much inconsistency in their results under the Portuguese coach. Their run this season has been totally against what the club is known for in recent years.
"I think Sundowns rate winning the CAF Champions League ahead of other competition, and their recent poor form in the tournament means Cardoso could be shown the exit door."
Can Sundowns still qualify in CAFCL?
Anuma also commented on Sundowns chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals after dropping points against Saint-Eloi Lupopo.
"It's a difficult situation now for Cardoso and Mamelodi Sundowns as they now depend on a win against MC Alger in the final group game to qualify for the next round," he added.
"I think getting a win against the Algerian side is very possible, especially the fact that they are playing in front of their fans in South Africa.
"It's going to be a tricky tie as they would be coming up against a familiar face in Rulani Mokwena, who has done great things since being named the club's manager at the beginning of the season.
"Cardoso needs to get his line-up right, especially in the attacking department, and they would be securing all three points and a place in the last eight."
Source: Getty Images
Pirates reclaim top spot from Sundowns
Briefly News also reported that Sundowns lost their top spot on the Betway Premiership table to bitter rivals Orlando Pirates after the Buccaneers defeated AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The Brazilians were joint top with the Buccaneers, but the Sea Robbers' win over Usuthu relegated the Tshwane Outfit to second on the log.
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Source: Briefly News
