MC Alger Valentine's Day result could define Mamelodi Sundowns' love for Miguel Cardoso

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On Saturday, couples across the country celebrate Valentine's Day, and it is a good time for Mamelodi Sundowns to show their love to their beleaguered coach Miguel Cardoso.

However, over the next few days, the Sundowns-Cardoso relationship will face two defining moments, starting with the CAF Champions League clash against MC Alger on Saturday, in a gripping duel that will echo across the African football landscape.

The next defining moment will be Wednesday's clash against Orlando Pirates, the pretenders to the Betway Premiership crown.

If Sundowns emerge unscathed from those encounters, Cardoso is very likely to remain at the helm of the Chloorkop-based club. If not, Sundowns may be under greater pressure from supporters calling for Cardoso's dismissal.

Cardoso has returned mixed results, but it is the team's style of play that has angered supporters.

Sundowns' hopes of reaching the Champions League play-offs are hanging by a thread on Saturday. The only way they can reach the play-offs is by winning. The situation is challenging for them on at least two fronts.

In a shocking development that has rocked South African football, Sundowns are facing allegations that a long-serving analyst leaked crucial tactical information to Rulani Mokwena, the head coach of their rivals, MC Alger.

This revelation, uncovered by a prominent football journalist, has raised considerable concerns in the lead-up to critical matches.

Cardoso treated the matter lightly and expressed a Valentine's Day wish to Sundowns supporters: "I hope that the opponent doesn't guess or know how we're going to play."

Cardoso's comments may be interpreted as a hint at 'spygate' concerns and as an attempt to manage pressure on his team by highlighting the potential advantage the former Sundowns coach, Mokwena, will enjoy.

Sundowns supporters' discontent and simmering tensions may see them channel their frustrations into an unexpected source of support for Mokwena's team. Cardoso could be at the heart of a profound shift in loyalties.

It is worth noting what happened when Cardoso and Mokwena previously crossed paths.

Espérance de Tunis, under Portuguese tactician Cardoso, delivered a decisive blow to Sundowns, with Mokwena at the helm, by clinching a 2-0 aggregate victory in the semi-finals over two legs of the 2023-24 Champions League.

This triumph not only secured Espérance's place in the finals but also appears to have influenced a significant managerial shift in Sundowns. A few weeks later, Cardoso was appointed Sundowns coach.

Saturday's match could set the stage for a similar scene. It could spell the end of Cardoso, but if he can guide his players to victory, it could ignite a turnaround that propels the team into the play-offs.

Success in this do-or-die encounter could boost the morale of a squad desperate for redemption, setting the stage for another exciting face-off just three days later at the home of arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

The Pirates vs Sundowns game has been moved from Orlando to the larger FNB Stadium. The move comes amid unprecedented demand for tickets, as fans flock to witness this rivalry that has become even more intense this season.

Traditionally, Sundowns have dominated the league in recent years, often finishing at the summit with relative ease. However, this season tells a different story. As it stands, Orlando Pirates have captured the league's top position, leading Sundowns by three points after both teams have played 15 matches.

This shift not only elevates the stakes of the upcoming clash but also adds a layer of intrigue to what has become a thrilling title race.

Compounding the narrative is the looming Saturday match against MC Alger, a fixture that could be a tipping point for coach Cardoso.

Depending on the outcome, his future at the club might be called into question, particularly if Sundowns continue to struggle in keeping pace with the league leaders. The spotlight is firmly on Cardoso's shoulders as the team gears up for back-to-back high-pressure matches.