Sundowns’ Standards: Cardoso vs Mokwena & Mngqithi

There is mounting pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. Photo: Gallo Images

With Miguel Cardoso reportedly out of favour at Mamelodi Sundowns, Soccer Laduma compares his stats with those of previous coaches at the club.

Cardoso faces pressure at Masandawana as fans question the team’s late-2025 form and results.

The Tshwane giants are used to heading into the festive break top of the Betway Premiership.

However, under the Portuguese tactician, Sundowns finished last year second, two points behind leaders Orlando Pirates, who also have a game in hand.

Sundowns went into the break with two wins and three draws in their last five matches across all competitions, amid reports linking former coach Pitso Mosimane to a potential return.

The Tshwane giants showed their high standards after parting ways with Rhulani Mokwena, who as sole head coach in 2023/24 had a 65.5% win rate, winning 38 games, drawing 12, and losing eight.

“The decision of Mamelodi Sundowns was taken by the Board taking into account the objectives and expectations of the Club and was not influenced or based on the recommendation of any individual associated with the Club,” said the club in a statement at the time.

When Downs parted ways with coach Manqoba Mngqithi, they again expressed their dissatisfaction. 

“The introduction of the new Coaching Technical Team was necessitated by the recent unsatisfactory results despite the commitment of the Sundowns Board to give Manqoba Mngqithi and his Technical an opportunity to lead the Club going into the future.”

As sole head coach, Mngqithi recorded a 66.6% win rate, with 12 wins, two draws, and four losses in 18 games.

Since replacing the KwaZulu-Natal-born coach, Cardoso has a 61.8% win rate—lower than his predecessors—recording 34 wins, 13 draws, and eight losses.