Mamelodi Sundowns fans are calling for the return of former head coach Rulani Mokwena as pressure intensifies on current boss Miguel Cardoso following the club’s early exit from the MTN8.
Masandawana’s semi-final defeat to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates has sparked outrage among supporters, with many expressing their frustrations on social media and even confronting the team bus in Atteridgeville after the loss.
Cardoso, who succeeded Manqoba Mngqithi at the end of 2024, has struggled to win over the Sundowns faithful despite clinching the Betway Premiership last season. His tenure has already been marked by a series of disappointing results, including a Nedbank Cup semi-final loss and a first-round exit in the Club World Cup.
Now, fans believe the club made a costly error in parting ways with Mokwena—who left the club in July 2024 and has since taken up a managerial role in North Africa.
Many fans took to social media to voice their anger and demand Mokwena’s return:
@MarhubaneN posted: “I remember how Pirates & Chiefs fans celebrated when Sundowns let go of coach Rulani. Deep down, they knew we were shooting ourselves in the foot… and now we’re playing like Wits.”
@Mlu___N2 tweeted: “Mamelodi Sundowns’ biggest mistake was the firing of Coach Rulani Mokwena. He built a monster of a team. His team gave opponents headaches.”
Saturday’s penalty shootout defeat to Pirates has clearly intensified the backlash, with fans arguing that under Mokwena, Sundowns displayed a more dominant and effective style of play.
Just three weeks into the new 2025/26 season, Cardoso finds himself under increasing scrutiny. The upcoming fixtures could prove crucial not only for restoring team confidence but also for the coach’s future at Chloorkop.
