BREAKING: Miguel Cardoso Sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns – Is Tlhopie Motsepe the Next Coaching Power Player? “Because When the Going Gets Tough, the Board Gets Coaching Licenses”
Mamelodi Sundowns, once the unshakable powerhouse of South African football, are now facing one of their most turbulent periods in recent history.
The club has officially parted ways with head coach Miguel Cardoso after a string of failures that have left fans and analysts questioning the very identity of the team.
The breaking point came after Sundowns’ shocking elimination from the Carling Knockout Cup by Maruma Gallants.
The match ended goalless after extra time before Sundowns suffered a 7-6 defeat in the penalty shootout.
This loss was not just a statistical blip but a symbolic moment that exposed deep-rooted issues within the club.
Former Sundowns captain and respected analyst Benedict Vilakazi did not mince words when commenting on the situation.
Speaking on Idyski TV, Vilakazi lamented the club’s regression under Cardoso’s leadership.
“Sundowns has worked very hard to be up there,” he said.
“All the PSL teams should be trying to catch up with them, not for Sundowns to drop. It’s like they’ve climbed a mountain and instead of staying up there, they’ve decided to walk back down.”
The expectations at Sundowns have always been sky-high.
With a target to win five trophies this season, the club has already lost two domestic cups and appears to be out of contention for the CAF Champions League.
Vilakazi bluntly stated, “The coach must win three trophies — the Champions League, the league, and one domestic cup. That means he’s already failed. He needs to go.”
The board has now acted decisively, terminating Cardoso’s contract amid growing fan unrest and mounting pressure.
This decision marks a critical juncture for Sundowns, a club that prides itself on stability and excellence.
But the story does not end with Cardoso’s departure.
In a surprising twist, Sundowns’ chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has enrolled in the SAFA C-License coaching course.
This program, running from October 4 to 11, is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the game from a technical and tactical perspective.
Motsepe’s commitment to this course reflects a broader trend in South African football — a new generation of leaders eager to combine administrative authority with footballing knowledge.
Last year, Motsepe completed a similar coaching course, signaling his genuine interest in the game beyond boardroom decisions.
His enrollment alongside Kenneth Simmons, son of Kaizer Chiefs’ marketing director Jessica Mutawong, adds another layer of intrigue.
Simmons’ involvement highlights how the next wave of football power players in South Africa are not just content with managing clubs from the sidelines but want to grasp the intricacies of coaching and tactics.
This development could herald a new era where club executives are more hands-on and intimately connected with the footballing side of operations.
For Sundowns, this could mean a more integrated approach to rebuilding the team and restoring their dominance.
Meanwhile, the fallout from Cardoso’s exit raises important questions about the club’s immediate future.
Who will take the reins?
Will Tlhopie Motsepe step into a more direct coaching role, or will Sundowns seek an experienced head coach to steady the ship?
Fans and pundits are already speculating about possible replacements.
Some call for a return of proven winners to bring back the winning mentality that Sundowns had under previous regimes.
Others believe that internal restructuring and fresh leadership from within could be the key.
The timing of Cardoso’s dismissal also coincides with other upheavals in South African football.
For instance, veteran midfielder Ben Mutari was recently released by Amazulu FC following disciplinary issues — another sign that clubs are becoming less tolerant of underperformance and off-field distractions.
At Sundowns, the stakes could not be higher.
The club’s proud history and reputation as a continental powerhouse depend on swift and effective action.
The fans’ patience is running thin, and the board’s willingness to act sends a clear message: mediocrity is no longer acceptable.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Sundowns’ next moves.
Will Motsepe’s coaching education translate into a revolutionary leadership style?
Can the club regain its winning ways with new management?
Or is this the beginning of a challenging rebuilding phase?
One thing is certain — the drama surrounding Miguel Cardoso’s exit and Tlhopie Motsepe’s coaching ambitions adds a fascinating chapter to South African football’s evolving narrative.
It’s a story of power, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
For Sundowns supporters, hope remains that their club will rise again, stronger and smarter.
For the rest of the PSL, the shifting dynamics at one of the league’s giants will be a storyline to watch closely.
Because in football, as in life, when the going gets tough, sometimes the board gets coaching licenses — and the game changes forever.
