From ruthless to patient? Sundowns’ curious faith in Cardoso

MAMELODI Sundowns have always set themselves apart with an unforgiving culture.

- SMISO MSOMI

This is not a club that rewards comfort — in recent times even success has rarely been enough to guarantee job security.

Rulani Mokwena found that out in July 2024. His record included back-to-back Premiership titles and the historic African Football League.

But that counted for little when the hierarchy decided his time was up.

Manqoba Mnggithi’s story is equally telling. He was part of the most successful period in Sundowns’ modern history, working alongside Pitso Mosimane and later with Mokwena.

That brains trust delivered not only league dominance but also numerous other trophies, cementing the club’s reputation as South Africa’s silverware machine.

Yet when Mnggithi finally got the reins on his own in July 2024, he lasted just five months before being replaced.

Against this ruthless backdrop, Miguel Cardoso’s survival feels out of place.