How Miguel Cardoso Could Escape Being Sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns at the End of 2025–26 Campaign

• Miguel Cardoso is under fire at Mamelodi Sundowns, with the Portuguese tactician struggling to guide the Brazilians past the group stage of the CAF Champions League
• The former Esperance of Tunisia mentor guided the Pretoria-based club to the final of the competition last season, but could be eliminated in the group phase this year
• A football analyst, in a chat with Briefly News, told Cardoso what he's expected to do to avoid being sacked by Masanadawana before the end of the season

Miguel Cardoso is currently under pressure of losing his role as Mamelodi Sundowns head coach after the Pretoria giants dropped points against Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.

The Brazilians needed a win against the Congolese side for them to solidify their chances of securing a place in the quarter-finals, but they were held to a draw.

The Portuguese tactician was brought in as a replacement for Manqoba Mngqithi early last season and guided them to their eighth successive title, but stumbled to a defeat in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC.

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It is obvious that Sundowns are looking forward to dominating Africa after conquering the South African league, but it's not looking like Masandawana would replicate last season's performance in the Champions League and also struggling in the Betway Premiership.

How Cardoso could escape sack

Football analyst Uche Anuma, in an exclusive interview with Briefly News, aired his views on what Cardoso needs to do for him to escape sack before the end of the season.

"Mamelodi Sundowns are known over the years for dominant display, but it's not looking like it this season, especially in the CAF Champions League," he said.

"It is obvious that the Champions League is the main competition the club are focused on this season as they've won the last eight league titles.

"Cardoso might be gone before the end of the season, but he can avoid that if he gets the team back to dominating games and also wins consecutive fixtures to get their season back on track.

"Qualification for the quarter-final in the Champions League is a must, so he needs to lead his squad to victory against MC Alger in their final group game."

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Why Sundowns need to keep Cardoso

Anuma went further to share his opinion on why Sundowns should keep Cardoso until the end of the season, regardless of what happens in the CAF Champions League.

"If Sundowns end up being knocked out of the CAF Champions League, I think they need to stick with Cardoso till the end of the season," he added.

"Bringing in a new coach in the middle of the season might equally disrupt their chances of retaining the Betway Premiership and also winning the Nedbank Cup.

"They can make their final decision at the end of the campaign when they analyse Cardoso's performance."

Pirates reclaim top spot from Sundowns

Briefly News also reported that Mamelodi Sundowns lost their top spot on the Betway Premiership table to Orlando Pirates after the Soweto giants defeated AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The Brazilians were joint top with the Buccaneers, but the Sea Robbers' win over Usuthu relegated the Tshwane Outfit to second on the log.

Source: Briefly News