Miguel Cardoso and Mamelodi Sundowns: What’s Next After the CAF Champions League Triumph

• Mamelodi Sundowns are champions of Africa once again, thanks to their win over AS FAR Rabat in the CAF Champions League
• The Brazilians won their second Champions League title thanks to the brilliance of Miguel Cardoso and his coaching crew
• A football analyst spoke exclusively to Briefly News about what's next for the Premier Soccer League giants and the Portuguese coach

Miguel Cardoso has guided Mamelodi Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League title after defeating AS FAR Rabat in the second leg of the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena scored a wonderful strike in the added minutes of the first half to cancel out Mohamed Hrimat's opening goal of the second leg.

The Portuguese tactician led the Brazilians to the final of the competition last season. Still, they failed to get past Pyramids FC, with the Egyptian side winning their maiden CAF Champions League title. He made the final three seasons in a row, but only won the title on his third try.

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What's next for Cardoso and Sundowns?

Football analyst Themba Modise, in an exclusive chat with Briefly News, shared his views on what's next for Cardoso and Sundowns after winning the CAF Champions League.

"Cardoso should definitely be offered a new contract and be convinced to stay, because the project needs continuity, and I see him winning all titles next season if he's backed once again."

"Losing the Betway Premiership might have worked against Cardoso concerning his future, but winning the biggest club competition on the continent has given him the leverage to stay on the job and showed signs the club can win next year's title."

Who Sundowns should appoint if Cardoso leaves

Just like Abdeslam Ouaddou, who cast doubts on his future at Orlando Pirates, Cardoso might want to leave on a good note ahead of next season, as he's been linked with a top coaching job outside South Africa and Africa as a whole.

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Modise, who is also a Mamelodi Sundowns fan, commented on the possibility of Cardoso leaving in the summer and also mentioned the coach that the Premier Soccer League giants should appoint if it happens.

"I expect Cardoso to continue as Sundowns boss next season and receive financial backing from the board, but with reports linking him with a move away, he might decide to leave after winning the title he has been looking for since his days at Esperance of Tunisia," he added.

"We must bring back Pitso Mosimane if Cardoso decides to leave. We need a winner as our coach, we don't need to do trial and error with another manager."

Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns battle for SA forward

Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are in a transfer battle as they are all interested in snapping up a South African forward.

The three PSL giants were said to be looking for the possibility of signing the winger before the winter transfer window closes.

Source: Briefly News