Mamelodi Sundowns’ journey in the MTN8 came to a heartbreaking end this past weekend, as Orlando Pirates edged them out in a penalty shootout.
After two tense legs ended 2-2 on aggregate, the Buccaneers’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine stepped up to make two crucial saves, sending Pirates to their fourth consecutive MTN8 final and leaving Sundowns stunned.
Cardoso Points to Fatigue as a Key Factor
Head coach Miguel Cardoso didn’t shy away from admitting the toll the packed schedule has taken on his squad.
Sundowns had barely a moment to rest after the 2024/25 season, as the team had to gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup in June and July, leaving little room to prepare for the new campaign.
“It’s clear that Sundowns is still not fresh, we’re struggling,” Cardoso said.
He added that, while the team controlled most of the game, a single lapse allowed Pirates to score.
“I think we saw exactly what we expected… We had to control the game, I think we did.
The only time we made a mistake is the goal from Orlando Pirates.”
Pirates’ Advantage While Sundowns Were Abroad
Cardoso also noted the timing of Pirates’ return to action gave them an edge.
“When we played the World Cup – Orlando Pirates were resting. They came back while we were still at the World Cup.
They are a lot more fluid than us. We are still trying to manage our players,” he explained.
Fans Vent Their Frustration on Social Media
The loss did not sit well with Sundowns supporters, who flooded social media with criticism of Cardoso.
Many on X (formerly Twitter) called for his removal, pointing to what they see as a decline from the team’s previous dominance.
“These people hate Kaizer Chiefs more than they hate Orlando Pirates, I feel sorry for Miguel Cardoso, he will be unemployed at 21:35 on Wednesday,” tweeted @Mapiano_Piano.
Another fan, @Malume_Grand, lamented the team’s decline under Cardoso: “We went from having a super good keeper across Africa, a defense that gave no opponents a target, a midfield that would starve and tire you, and an attack line that would press and smack goals to a nothing team, all this done by Miguel Cardoso and the Denmark Dude.”
The Big Question: Will Cardoso Keep His Job?
As the debate rages on among fans, the future of Miguel Cardoso at Sundowns remains uncertain.
Supporters are left to wonder whether the coach can turn things around or if changes are imminent after the MTN8 exit.
