Defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns made a shocking decision to part ways with Manqoba Mngqithib barely five months after taking over from Rulani Mokwena.
During his reign, Masandawana were eliminated from MTN8 in the semi-final hurdle and collected 21 points from the eight PSL matches he was in charge of. However, his team suffered a shock 2-1 loss in the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC.
In Group B's Caf Champions League outing, the South African outfit drew 0-0 against AS Maniema Union at home before throwing a one-goal lead against AS FAR Rabat to settle for a 1-1 draw in North Africa.
Former Esperance coach Miguel Cardoso was confirmed as the new man in charge, replacing the former Golden Arrows tactician. Some fans believe the loss against Magesi FC was the reason for Mngqithi's sacking. However, chairman Thlopie Motsepe has denied it and explained why the changes were made.
“It is tough to look at the Magesi FC loss
“There are always considerations in serious decisions like changing the coaching staff at the club, but it certainly wasn’t the Magesi game that made the decision,” Motsepe stated.
“The Magesi game was magic for most, but tragic for us right – it was definitely something for us when you look back on… for the football club, someone came to me at the end of the game and said this is why football is called the beautiful game.
“It’s tough to look at it when you are on the receiving end of a Cinderella story like that, but what I do understand and what I know, is that performance probably inspired many amateur footballers, lower leagues, and coaches to say that it’s possible.
“That’s the magic of cup football but we started the season having given the coaching team the opportunity to take the reigns and lead the club in the direction they saw fit and unfortunately we started with a stumble, knocked out the MTN8,” he concluded.
Miguel's first task will be on Sunday against Raja Casablanca in the Caf Champions League outing.
