Miguel Cardoso: African Giants Interested in Mamelodi Sundowns Coach After Winning CAFCL

• Mamelodi Sundowns winning the 2025-26 CAF Champions League has led to their coach being a target for a top African club
• Miguel Cardoso and the Brazilians are yet to finalise the tactician's future, as other clubs are also monitoring the situation
• The Masandawana mentor is not the only coach on the top African club's radar, with a Barcelona legend also being considered

Mamelodi Sundowns' successful run in the 2025-26 CAF Champions League under the managerial guidance of Miguel Cardoso has attracted interest from African heavyweights Al Ahly.

The Portuguese manager guided Sundowns to a 2-1 aggregate victory over AS FAR Rabat in the final, securing the club’s second continental title. With his contract set to expire in June, discussions over a new and improved deal are expected to take place soon.

The former Nantes head coach also led the Brazilians to the final of the competition last season, but they were unable to win it in his second attempt as they lost to Pyramids FC.

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Why Al Ahly want Cardoso as coach

According to reports, Cardoso’s achievement with Sundowns has not gone unnoticed, with Al Ahly reportedly keeping a close watch on his situation as they seek to rebuild after a difficult season and re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite clubs.

The Cairo-based giants are widely expected to part ways with head coach Jess Thorup after a disappointing campaign that saw them fail to qualify for next season’s CAF Champions League.

The 13-time continental champions will be absent from Africa’s premier club competition for the first time since 2003, increasing the urgency to appoint a coach capable of leading an immediate resurgence.

Provided that Sundowns and Cardoso failed to reach an agreement concerning the coach's future, the Egyptian Premier League giants could take the Portuguese mentor from them.

Al Ahly's preferred candidate

While Al Ahly’s preferred option is believed to be former Barcelona midfielder and Dutch legend Mark van Bommel, concerns over the financial package required to secure his services could prompt the club to explore alternative candidates. That scenario may boost Cardoso’s chances of emerging as the frontrunner for the role.

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Sources indicate that Cardoso would be receptive to joining Al Ahly if formal interest materialises, even with the club absent from next season’s Champions League. Nevertheless, Sundowns remain optimistic about keeping their coach and are preparing to negotiate a contract extension with improved terms.

Cardoso’s growing reputation has been built on a remarkable run in African club football. The former Espérance de Tunis coach has reached the CAF Champions League final in three consecutive seasons and finally claimed the trophy with Sundowns this year, further enhancing his standing as one of the continent’s most respected tacticians.

Broos backs Zwane despite fitness concerns

Briefly News also reported that Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos defended Themba Zwane's inclusion in South Africa's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad despite concerns over the veteran midfielder's fitness.

The Bafana Bafana coach admitted Zwane is not yet ready to play a full match but insisted his experience, leadership and unique qualities still make him a valuable asset as South Africa prepares for football's biggest tournament.

Source: Briefly News