Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso is facing mounting pressure following his team’s disappointing MTN8 semi-final exit at the hands of rivals Orlando Pirates. The loss has sparked widespread criticism, with former club midfielder Charles Motlohi leading the call for Cardoso’s dismissal.
Saturday’s clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium ended in a goalless draw on aggregate, pushing the tie into a penalty shootout. The Brazilians were unable to hold their nerve from the spot, losing 4-1 to the Buccaneers. The result came as a major blow to the Sundowns faithful, who have grown accustomed to their club’s dominance both locally and in continental competitions.
Motlohi, a former fan favourite, did not hold back in his post-match assessment.
“I can barely recall Sundowns putting two passes together on Saturday,” Motlohi told KickOff. “Lebo Mothiba didn’t even touch the ball after coming on. That tells you everything. In my view, the coach should be sacked. He’s trying to change the system and the very identity of the club.”
Motlohi also turned his criticism toward the club’s Sporting Director, Flemming Berg, holding him equally responsible for the team’s current struggles.
“Everything going wrong at Sundowns right now falls on Flemming Berg. He and the coach need to go. I’ve never seen Sundowns get outplayed so completely,” he said. “It’s as if the club is surrounded by pirates.”
He warned that without swift intervention, the club could be in for a disappointing season.
The pressure isn’t just coming from former players. A section of the club’s supporters have also expressed growing concern over Cardoso’s tactical approach and the team’s recent lack of dominance on the pitch. The dissatisfaction has been bubbling for weeks, and the MTN8 exit has only intensified the scrutiny.
Despite the setback, Sundowns have little time to dwell on the loss. They must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Kaizer Chiefs in a crucial Betway Premiership fixture at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night, with kick-off set for 19:30.
The coming weeks could prove decisive for Cardoso’s tenure at Chloorkop.
