Miguel Cardoso’s future hangs in the balance as Mamelodi Sundowns face decisive CAF tests

Miguel Cardoso has been in denial about Mamelodi Sundowns’ below-par performances since the start of the season, hiding behind congested fixtures and doing just enough to achieve the much-needed results.

But be that as it may, the Portuguese coach was finally realistic and candid during his post-match press conference after the 2–1 win over Gomora United in the last 32 on Wednesday night, saying: “One day, I will go.”

Cardoso will go – and, unfortunate for him but a welcome development for the disgruntled Masandawana, who have bemoaned the team’s regression from the transitional, appealing brand of football – that could be as early as late next week.

Sundowns will face St Eloi Lupopo and MC Alger in their final two CAF Champions League group-stage matches, and these are games they must win at all costs to secure progression to the knockout stage of the premier continental showpiece.

Failure to do so – and thus miss out on qualification for the knockout stage – is widely expected to unleash the wrath of the club’s hierarchy on Cardoso and eventually send him and his staff packing.

Winning the Champions League remains Sundowns’ primary objective this season, having last lifted the continental title in 2016, despite the huge investments made in the team over the years.

Given that reality, winning the league – the Betway Premiership – is regarded as customary for the club, with their dominance growing in leaps and bounds after securing the last eight titles in succession.

Therefore, the trip to Lubumbashi to face St Eloi Lupopo on Sunday is set to be the first real test in determining Cardoso’s future at the club, before they host Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger on Friday night in Pretoria. Failure to secure positive results in both matches is expected to confirm the arrival of Cardoso’s day to leave the club.