Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso may ultimately be judged by one thing this season: whether he delivers the long-awaited CAF Champions League trophy to Chloorkop. Anything less could leave his tenure open to serious scrutiny.
Sundowns’ dramatic 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy on Tuesday night may have all but confirmed the end of an era in domestic football. For the first time after eight consecutive league triumphs, the Brazilians appear set to surrender the Betway Premiership crown.
The defeat handed Orlando Pirates a massive advantage in the title race. Pirates now require just three points from their remaining two matches to clinch a long-elusive league title — one they have not won since the 2011/12 season.
Should that happen, it would mean Sundowns finish the campaign without a single domestic trophy — a startling outcome for a club that has built its modern identity around relentless dominance.
Cardoso has, throughout the season, been vocal about several external factors affecting his side. Some of his concerns have certainly been understandable. Fixture congestion, excessive travel, scheduling complications and the demands of competing on multiple fronts are legitimate challenges, particularly during a season disrupted by the Africa Cup of Nations calendar.
However, there is a fine line between explanation and deflection.
Too often, Cardoso’s comments have drifted toward suggesting that referees, venues, scheduling and even supposed “red carpets” for rivals are responsible for Sundowns’ struggles. At times, the narrative has bordered on conspiracy rather than accountability.
The reality is that Sundowns’ shortcomings cannot solely be attributed to outside forces.
From a footballing perspective, there are several results that the coach simply cannot distance himself from. Sundowns were held by Richards Bay in a fixture many expected them to control comfortably. Against Kaizer Chiefs, Cardoso managed only two points from a possible six — despite Sundowns traditionally dominating that rivalry in recent years. There were also costly dropped points against Chippa United and a damaging defeat to Golden Arrows.
Championships are often lost in exactly those kinds of matches.
To Cardoso’s credit, his frustrations regarding fixture congestion are not entirely misplaced. Sundowns endured an exhausting schedule, and there was close to a month-long disruption todomestic football because of the Africa Cup of Nations. Yet, at this stage of the season, there is also very little that football authorities can realistically do about such scheduling pressures.
Complaints about venues have also felt unnecessary at times. Magesi were fully entitled to take their match against Sundowns to Seshego Stadium — and notably, Sundowns still won that game. Opponents are under no obligation to make conditions comfortable for the defending champions.
Equally, the atmosphere and support enjoyed by clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates should hardly come as a surprise. Chiefs remain arguably the most supported football club on the African continent, while Pirates have recently built a reputation for filling stadiums across the country. That is part of South African football culture, not evidence of unfair treatment.
Still, despite the domestic disappointment, Cardoso has an opportunity to completely reshape the narrative of his season.
On the continent, Sundowns have once again shown why they remain one of Africa’s elite football institutions. Their run to the Champions League final has reaffirmed the squad’s quality, depth and experience at the highest level.
Now comes the defining test.
A two-legged final against RS Berkane — beginning in Pretoria this Sunday before the return leg in Rabat a week later — could determine how Cardoso’s first full season is remembered.
Sundowns last lifted the Champions League trophy in 2016, a triumph that cemented their rise as a continental powerhouse. Since then, expectation has only grown. After the heartbreak of losing last season’s final, there is a sense that anything short of continental success no longer satisfies the ambitions of the club.
Winning the Champions League would not erase every criticism aimed at Cardoso, but it would provide context and perspective. More importantly, it would deliver the one trophy Sundowns crave above all others — and potentially secure their place at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
For a club of Sundowns’ stature, domestic dominance alone is no longer enough. Continental success is the standard.
And for Miguel Cardoso, this trophy could be the only thing standing between him and the exit door.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
