Adios Mngqithi! Sundowns send coach home, Cardoso takes over

Mamelodi Sundowns have appointed Portuguese Miguel Cardoso as their new head coach, effective immediately.

The 52-year-old is taking over from Manqoba Mngqithi who has had mixed results at Masandawana since taking over from Rulani Mokwena who is currently with Wydad Athletic Club. In his short stint as the head coach, Sundowns were eliminated from MTN8 in the semi-final by Stellenbosch.

The 53-year-old also suffered a shocking 2-1 loss in the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC. However, it seems the Caf Champions League journey is the one that contributed to the changes at the club. Downs drew 0-0 with AS Maniema Union before drawing 1-1 against AS FAR Rabat in his second match.

As a result, Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe confirmed Mngqithi has been fired, with Cardoso taking over. Steve Komphela and Kennedy Mweene have been retained.

“The supporters deserve a high standard and we have not been able to meet those recently,” Motsepe justified the decision. 

Which teams have Cardoso coached and what has he achieved?

Cardoso has massive experience both in the continent and Europe when it comes to coaching. He has been in charge of Rio Ave, Nantes, Celta Vigo, and AEK Athens; in Europe.

His latest assignment was in Tunisia with Esperance where he helped them win the Ligue 1 crown in the 2023/24 season, as well as reach the final of the Caf Champions League where they were undone by Percy Tau’s Al Ahly.

Coincidentally, Cardoso was in charge when Esperance eliminated Masandawana from the Caf Champions League last season in the semi-final stage after an aggregate 2-0 win.

What awaits Cardoso

The first assignment for Cardoso will be on Sunday when Sundowns host Raja Casablanca in Group B of the Caf Champions League game that will be staged at Loftus Versfeld Stadium from 15.00 South African Time.

While Downs have two points in the pool, Raja – who are the defending Botola Pro League champions, have one point after a loss against AS FAR Rabat and a recent 1-1 draw with the Congolese outfit Maniema.

His Premier Soccer League debut will be on Wednesday, December 18 away against the unpredictable Stellenbosch.