Angry Mamelodi Sundowns fans vent frustration as expectations plummet amid lacklustre play

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In the past, South African football was tainted by fan hooliganism, particularly among supporters of the leading clubs, when coaches became highly unpopular because of poor results.

This situation frequently resulted in financial penalties for clubs due to inadequate crowd management. Simultaneously, it prompted many coaches to resign voluntarily as the environment became untenable.

Typically, before a coach would formally resign, the club would issue a statement indicating they could no longer ensure the coach’s safety, which served as an implicit signal for the coach to step down.

Last season, indications emerged that supporters were expressing dissatisfaction with coach Miguel Cardoso. A notable portion of the fan base felt that, given the squad’s strength, the club should have captured all available trophies.

True, Sundowns won the Betway Premiership but lost out on the MTN8 Cup (Orlando Pirates), Carling Knockout Cup (Magesi FC), Nedbank Cup (Kaizer Chiefs) and the CAF Champions League (Pyramids FC). It wasn’t unrealistic to expect Sundowns to win all these competitions.

Last year, Flemming said the mandate for the Sundowns coach was to secure victory in every competition the club entered.

For some time, Sundowns’ playing style did not resonate with a significant portion of their fanbase, who favoured the approach under former managers such as Rhulani Mokoena. Additionally, there were instances of disagreement with Cardoso’s player selections over time, which, on occasion, were blamed for an expected defeat or draw.

For Friday night, hooliganism reared its ugly head at the end of the CAF Champions League match between Sundowns and Al Hilal at Loftus. It was so bad that the beleaguered Cardoso and sporting director Flemming Berg were whisked away from Loftus through the back door to avoid angry fans who were baying for their blood.

Sundowns did not respond to a request for comment on what happened at Loftus. Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, however, strongly disapproved of the recent violence, emphasising that the club is cooperating with security teams to identify the individuals responsible.

He said that legal action would follow against anyone involved, along with a permanent ban from the stadium.

Motsepe and Flemming have previously expressed support for Cardoso amid intense speculation, confirming that there would be no changes to the coaching staff.

Following the 2-2 draw against Sudan’s Al-Hilal, there was another interesting dynamic at play in the Loftus stands. One group of fans began chanting “Pitso,” while another group responded with “we love you” for the last several minutes.

This ‘Pitso’ chant was a call from fans for the return of former tactician Pitso Mosimane, who is said to be in discussions with the club. However, it’s important to note that Mosimane is currently involved in a legal dispute with Sundowns.

The club is pursuing the recovery of approximately R7.9 million (plus interest) in agent fees that were paid to MT Sports, an agency owned by Mosimane’s wife, Moira Tlhagale.

This claim arises from Mosimane’s departure from the club in 2020 for Al Ahly, which occurred just four months after he signed a four-year contract extension.

The lawsuit focuses on a “clawback” clause in the contract that requires a pro rata repayment of the commission if Mosimane leaves before the expiration of his contract.

In contrast to previous eras, it is unlikely that Sundowns will publicly express concerns about their coach’s safety.

However, it is evident that should the team deliver another lacklustre performance, as seen in their last match on Friday, or suffer another defeat, Cardoso will be shown the door.

As for Flemming, he’s going nowhere. He is secured for the foreseeable future, having recently signed a new two-year contract.