sportskeeda
The chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Thlopie Motsepe, has revealed that the team’s recent performances and style of play have not met the club’s prestigious standards.
The club has made the difficult decision to part ways with head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, with his dismissal announced during a hastily arranged press conference on Tuesday. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso has been named as his successor.
Sundowns’ recent outcomes, including a disappointing defeat against Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final and a lackluster start to the CAF Champions League group stage, significantly influenced this decision. Although the team currently tops the Betway Premiership, their performances have been less commanding and visually striking compared to earlier seasons under Rulani Mokwena.
“Mamelodi Sundowns has always been a club that takes pride in playing attractive, entertaining, and winning football,” Motsepe remarked during the press conference.
“This is why we wear our colors and have earned the title Bafana Ba Style.
“However, alongside this football identity, the mentality ingrained in this club over the years is crucial.”
“We appreciate the many coaches and players who have been part of our journey. This mentality centers around our motto—to consistently strive for greatness, set ambitious goals, and relentlessly pursue success.
“We are a motivated and aspirational football club. Nevertheless, in recent months, our team has struggled to embody that ambition and maintain the high standards we have established for ourselves as a board and an organization.
“We believe our supporters deserve the high level and quality of football we aim to provide.
“That being said, this was not an easy choice. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi and coach Wendell Robinson have dedicated more than two decades—22 years collectively—to this football club.
“They have played a significant role during the club’s most historic and successful periods and have been exceptional supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Coach Romain Folz, who joined us recently, was also a valuable member of the technical staff. His attitude, energy, and eagerness to improve are qualities we all appreciated. Still, I must stress, we needed to take a different direction.”
Cardoso, who previously led Esperance to victory against Sundowns in the CAF Champions League semi-final, will oversee his first match as Sundowns coach against Raja Casablanca at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.
