Cardoso: One Day I Will Leave Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called for respect and trust from the club’s supporters amid growing dissatisfaction, with some fans openly calling for his dismissal.

The Portuguese coach is under no illusions about the expectations placed on him by the club’s hierarchy. Sundowns management has made it clear that winning the Betway Premiership every season is non-negotiable due to the heavy investment made year after year. In addition, the club expects consistent deep runs in the CAF Champions League, with the ultimate ambition of lifting the continental title.

However, Cardoso insists success cannot be taken for granted, warning that dominance in South African football is becoming increasingly difficult.

“You expect Sundowns to win championships with a 20-point advantage every year, but that will not happen,” Cardoso said. “Our opponents have become stronger—it’s clear. What’s missing is trust.”

Pressure on the Sundowns coach intensified after a damaging CAF Champions League group-stage defeat to Al Hilal last Friday. With qualification now under threat, Cardoso must deliver victories in the remaining two group matches.

Sundowns travel to Stade TP Mazembe on Sunday to face FC Lupopo, where a win is non-negotiable, before concluding their group campaign against Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger next weekend.

MC Alger increased the pressure on Sundowns after beating Al Hilal 2-1, the same side Sundowns drew with and later lost, on Friday. The Algerian outfit now sit second in the group with seven points after five matches, two points ahead of third-placed Sundowns and one behind group leaders Al Hilal.

“If people trust, things will happen naturally,” Cardoso added. “There is quality in the squad, quality in the coaching staff, and quality in the coach. I don’t see many coaches around with the curriculum that I have.

“We will not win every day, but what matters is not if we fall, it’s the attitude we show when we rise. Those are the values of this club. We are united, strong, and moving in the right direction.”

During the week, Cardoso also addressed a social media incident in which a fan shared a video mocking how he parked his car during a media briefing at the PSL offices ahead of the Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash against Gomora United, a match Sundowns went on to win.

“I don’t think it’s proper to joke about the coach’s car or how he leaves a press conference—that’s what is missing,” Cardoso said.

“You look at the coach with no respect. I’ve coached teams no one ever imagined in South Africa, yet all I ask for is respect. One day I will leave—no one needs to push anyone. We just want to work calmly.

“These players deserve respect. This club deserves respect. It’s a huge club with great people, and it’s respected because of the fantastic people inside. We are together in that,” Cardoso concluded.