Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Motsepe on Mokwena sacking, Cardoso honoured, & more…

Latest Mamelodi Sundowns news, in the last 24 hours, including Masandawana on sacking Rulani Mokwena, Miguel Cardoso honoured in Portugal, and more.

Latest Sundowns News

Sundowns opens up on Mokwena sacking

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has revisited the club’s decision to relieve Rulani Mokwena of his duties, despite the coach appearing to steer the Brazilians in the right direction.

Mokwena was appointed Masandawana head coach in October 2022 after a long period serving in the club youth structures, as well as the senior team’s assistant coach and co-coach. But his tenure at the helm of the Tshwane giants ended ahead of the 2024/25 season when he was sacked amid expectations that he would begin pre-season training with the team.

While winning the PSL title and reaching the Champions League last-four appeared commendable to some, that was, however, not enough for the club bosses who then pulled the trigger on Mokwena.

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has revisited the club's decision to relieve Rulani Mokwena of his duties, despite the coach appearing to steer the Brazilians in the right direction.#FARPosthttps://t.co/luizYhjCuI

— FARPost (@FARPostZA) October 2, 2026

“That was a very difficult decision to make for many reasons. Rulani loved the players. Coach Rulani. I even say Rulani because even myself I was very fond of him,” said Motsepe in a conversation with Robert Marawa.

“He was loved by fans and players. His style of football was generally appreciated by the supporters as well. At that time, he had taken the reins, and again we found ourselves in a situation where we couldn’t clear that hurdle of the Champions League. 

“We must bear in mind that he had been a co-coach, then an individual coach in his role. So we really understood the capacity of the project with him as a coach in that particular moment.

“I think Rulani is a very talented coach and he is going to go very far. I, like many Sundowns supporters, wish him the best. We really do.

“Sometimes the very hard decisions are the right ones. It’s not emotions that will decide that. That lesson for me was also one that shaped my leadership.

“I want to say this, we all know how talented Rulani Mokwen is. Everybody in South African football enjoys his educative way he expresses the game. We love the way he talks in press conferences. We love the way he sees the game and the passion he shows for the game.”

Cardoso honoured in Portugal

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed gratitude after being honoured in his home country Portugal.

Cardoso has received the Prémio de Mérito Desportivo (Sporting Merit Award) at the 9th Trofa Sports Gala held this week.

The Sundowns mentor was born in Trofa, situated on the outskirts of Porto, which is the second largest city in Portugal.

➡️Sundowns Coach Honoured In Hometown 🇵🇹

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed gratitude after being honoured in his home country Portugal.

MORE: https://t.co/XyqyaXgZzP pic.twitter.com/J5HC9Oy8nI

— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) October 2, 2026

The 54-year-old was unable to attend the event but took to social media, on his official Instagram account, to express his joy for the recognition.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Trofa Town Council for the sporting merit recognition awarded at the 9th Trofa Sports Gala—a ceremony dedicated to honouring the athletes and sports agents who distinguished themselves within the municipality in 2026,” wrote Cardoso, who guided Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title earlier this year.

“I also extend my thanks to Dr Isabel Cruz, who represented me so wonderfully and accepted the award on my behalf. It is always a profound privilege to be recognised in the land where I was born and raised, and to represent both Trofa and my country on the international stage.”

Barker urges Mosimane to reconsider ex-Sundowns star

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker believes that Rushine De Reuck deserves to be considered to return to the Bafana Bafana fold.