Dead man walking? Why Sundowns fans have already decided Miguel Cardoso's fate
Mamelodi Sundowns' supporters have made their feelings about Miguel Cardoso known after the club's draw against Al Hilal last week.
Image: BackpagePix
Miguel Cardoso appears to be a dead man walking after Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Sudanese side Al Hilal in a CAF Champions League clash at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane last Friday.
Despite dominating the contest from start to finish, Sundowns controlled possession and created a host of clear goalscoring chances against 10-man Al Hilal, yet still walked away with just a point – a result that left large sections of the fanbase seething.
The frustration spilled over after the final whistle, with supporters chanting “Pitso! Pitso! Pitso! Pitso!” in a clear call for the return of former head coach Pitso Mosimane, who has recently been linked with talks involving the club.
Sundowns supporters are notoriously demanding. The club currently sit top of the Betway Premiership and are on course for a ninth successive league title, while they also lead their CAF Champions League group after three matches. Even so, growing sections of the fanbase appear to have decided that Cardoso’s tenure is no longer sustainable.
History suggests that once patience wears thin in Tshwane, change soon follows. In 2010, Barcelona and Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov was effectively forced out after sustained pressure from supporters. Two years later, late Dutch icon Johan Neeskens was dismissed following persistent boos from the stands – although, in that instance, Sundowns were second from bottom in the league at the time of his departure.
While Mosimane remains a revered figure, his potential return is complicated by an ongoing legal battle with the club. Sundowns are seeking the repayment of more than R7 million in agents’ commission paid during Mosimane’s final contract extension, after he left for Al Ahly before the agreement had run its course.
Mosimane and his wife and agent, Moira Tlhagale, are appealing the ruling at the Johannesburg High Court, and he has previously claimed that his working environment at the club had become untenable, alleging threats to his safety during his final months in charge.
For now, the pressure continues to mount on Cardoso, with performances judged not only on results but on dominance, ruthlessness and control. At a club where success is demanded as much in style as it is in substance, even strong league positions can offer little protection once supporters lose faith.
With decisive fixtures looming and the noise around the dugout growing louder by the week, it may soon fall to the club’s hierarchy to decide whether continuity remains worth the risk – or whether another change is inevitable.
IOL Sport