From hero to headache: Why Cardoso's league win isn't enough ... and why it is

MAMELODI Sundowns' 2024/25 campaign ended on a bittersweet note. While the club clinched a record-extending eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, another failed bid for the CAF Champions League has reignited debate around the future of head coach Miguel Cardoso.

- MIHLALI BALEKA and OBAKENG MELETSE

Some believe his failure to deliver continental glory warrants immediate dismissal, while others argue that his back-to-back appearances in the final show promise and justify more time.

No excuses for failure - Cardoso must go

Miguel Cardoso’s first season at Mamelodi Sundowns disappointingly ended with only the Betway Premiership title, as he missed out on the coveted CAF Champions League crown.

Given the standards that Sundowns have set for themselves over the years, the Portuguese coach does not deserve to be retained for another season.

He must go!

He must be released, just like his predecessor Rulani Mokwena, whose achievement of winning the league title and African Football League (AFL) was deemed insufficient by the club last season.

Sure, Mokwena had ample time to strategise for African glory, having been at the club for many years in various roles, including assistant coach and co-coach.

But the 38-year-old was in his first full season as the club’s head coach, so he deserved a second bite at the cherry especially after losing just one match in the league.