Could Pitso Moismane be about to make a sensational return to Mamelodi Sundowns?

That was the question as the new year started after claims that the PSL champions have been holding talks with their legendary former coach with a view to reuniting at Chloorkop.

Mosimane enjoyed a trophy-laded eight years at Sundowns from 2012 to 2020, winning five PSL titles as well as the 2016 CAF Champions League, the club’s only continental title, before he went on to coach in the Middle East, first in Egypt with Al Ahly before stints in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Since leaving Iranian giants Esteghlal FC in January 2025, Mosimane has been without a job but linked to various roles, including Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana.

Could Mosimane return to Sundowns?

'We'd be shocked by Pitso doesn't play him': Billiat on ex-teammate at Sundowns — Khama Billiat and Pitso Mosimane

However, according to SoccerBeat, there have been talks between Sundowns and Mosimane with a view to taking over from Miguel Cardoso, whose future is up in the air after a less than impressive first half of the season.

“This is going to sound unbelievable, but I’ve heard strong, strong talk from within the club’s camp that Pitso Mosimane will be back at Mamelodi Sundowns sooner than you think. That deal could happen by the time the AFCON ends,” claimed SoccerBeat’s Peter du Toit.

“Pitso could be back at Mamelodi Sundowns. Now, a couple of reasons. Let’s look backwards. If you look at Cardoso, he’s never spent more than two years at any one particular club.

“But if you look at it from a Sundowns point of view, winning the League of Sundowns is not an outstanding achievement. Rulani was unbeaten until the very last game of the season, and he lost his job.”

Why ‘Jingles’ is being linked to Chloorkop

Cardoso led Sundowns to the PSL title last season as well as the Champions League final, having replaced Manqoba Mngqithi in December 2024, but the 2025-26 campaign has not been as impressive as the Brazilians dropped 13 points from their first 13 games.

That, added to the fact that the Portuguese coach rarely stays at a club for long, are seen as some of the reasons that are attracting Sundowns to Mosimane.

“Cardoso won the league, but he had already been given a good start by our local guys. So, we don’t see, and from the news I’m receiving, I don’t see Cardoso finishing the season. If he does, I’m pretty certain it is his last season,” added Du Toit.

“But Pitso Mosimane, I’ve been told by sources very, very close to it, sources in the club, that Pitso Mosimane may well be at Mamelodi Sundowns sooner than you think. Now, what I’ve also done is left a message with Pitso Mosimane’s agent, and hopefully I’ll get some kind of feedback from her shortly.”

Didn’t Downs boss just back Cardoso?

Thlopie Motsepe and Miguel Cardoso Mamelodi Sundowns — Image – Mamelodi Sundowns

It remains to be seen if Sundowns will make any coaching changes this year especially after chairman Tlhopie Motsepe appeared to back Cardoso in his open letter to fans last week.

“At the same time, I would like to sincerely thank coach Miguel Cardoso and the entire squad for the commitment and success they delivered in 2025,” Motsepe wrote.

“Winning our eighth consecutive league title and reaching a CAF Champions League final for the first time in nine years were remarkable achievements. I also thank the supporters who stood by the team and the coach when it mattered most.”