Portuguese manager steps in after recent changes at the South African champions.
Johannesburg – South African football champions Mamelodi Sundowns have announced the appointment of Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso as their new manager. This marks the second managerial change in just six months for the Pretoria-based club, which is set to compete in the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.
Cardoso, 52, has an extensive coaching résumé, including stints at Rio Ave in Portugal, Nantes in France, La Liga’s Celta Vigo, and AEK Athens. Most recently, he led Tunisian side Esperance to the African Champions League final, although his tenure ended in October due to a poor start to the new season.
The coaching shake-up follows the departure of Manqoba Mngqithi, who was dismissed after disappointing results, including two draws in the Champions League group stage and a surprising defeat in the South African League Cup final last month. Mngqithi had only taken over in July after Rulani Mokwena was removed despite securing the league title with an unprecedented 23-point lead.
At the upcoming Club World Cup in June, Sundowns face a challenging Group F lineup, including Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense, and South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai.
The club, owned by the family of Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, will be looking to stabilise under Cardoso’s leadership and enhance their international standing.
