Mamelodi Sundowns Provide Update on Miguel Cardoso’s Future After CAF Champions League Triumph

• Mamelodi Sundowns have provided an update on Miguel Cardoso's future at the club ahead of the 2026-27 season
• The former Esperance of Tunis head coach led the Brazilians to their second CAF Champions League title this campaign
• The Portuguese mentor is expected to stay at Chorklop, but the Premier Soccer League giants are facing stiff competition from another club

Mamelodi Sundowns have addressed head coach Miguel Cardoso's future at the club after hed led them to their second CAF Champions League success this season.

The Portuguese tactician was named the Pretoria Giants head coach during the 2024-25 season, and won the Betway Premiership that same campaign, but missed out narrowly on the CAF Champions League success after losing to Pyramids FC in the final of the competition.

This season, he replaced the league title with the continental trophy as he lost the league to Orlando Pirates, and there are rumours about his future at the club, with a top African club interested in prizing him away from the Premier Soccer League giants.

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Sundowns address Cardoso's future

Speaking after the team arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from Morocco, Tlhopie Motsepe indicated that discussions regarding Cardoso and his future at Mamelodi Sundowns will take place in the coming months.

Motsepe praised the impact Cardoso has made since taking charge, saying the coach has already helped the club achieve one of its major objectives.

“When we appointed the coach, there were specific targets we wanted to reach. One of those was to elevate the team to another level and accomplish something truly special, and I believe we have managed to do exactly that,” Motsepe told reporters.

The Sundowns chairman said the next step is determining whether the club and coach can continue building on the progress already made.

“The challenge now is whether we can push even further, improve on what we have achieved and continue writing the remarkable story that has unfolded throughout this season,” he added.

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Motsepe also revealed that any upcoming negotiations will be approached from a far stronger position than when Cardoso was initially recruited.

“I believe the club is moving in the right direction and progressing positively. Over the next few months, we will sit down and have those discussions, but what I can say is that the situation is much more positive than it was before the coach joined us.

“Out of respect for the coach and the board processes that still need to take place, I don't think I should go into any further detail at this stage,” Motsepe concluded.

Motsepe shares fans' demand for Cardoso

Motsepe has disclosed that supporters are now firmly behind Cardoso, with many urging the club to retain him.

Speaking to journalists during the team's celebratory reception at the airport, Motsepe recounted conversations he had with fans before the squad's arrival. He revealed that the mood among supporters has shifted dramatically, with widespread backing for the Portuguese tactician.

"It's interesting because the earlier question was whether the coach feels he has won over the Sundowns supporters," said Motsepe.

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"I arrived about 40 minutes before the team landed and spent some time interacting with the fans. Aside from asking when the players would arrive, wanting to see the champions and the trophy, the overwhelming question was: 'Where is the coach?'

"Some supporters even went as far as telling us that the coach must stay. That probably answers the question about how much support and appreciation he has earned from the Sundowns faithful."

Motsepe's remarks suggest that any doubts surrounding Cardoso's future have largely been replaced by admiration from the Chloorkop faithful, who now view him as a key figure in the club's continued success.

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