Angry fans vent as title hopes fade

IN THE past, South African football was tainted by fan hooliganism, particularly among supporters of the leading clubs, when coaches became highly unpopular because of poor results.

- HERMAN GIBBS

This situation frequently resulted in financial penalties for clubs due to inadequate crowd management. Simultaneously, it prompted many coaches to resign voluntarily as the environment became untenable.

Typically, before a coach would formally resign, the club would issue a statement indicating they could no longer ensure the coach’s safety, which served as an implicit signal for the coach to step down.

Last season, indications emerged that supporters were expressing dissatisfaction with coach Miguel Cardoso.

A notable portion of the fan base felt that, given the squad’s strength, the club should have captured all available trophies.

True, Sundowns won the Betway Premiership but lost out on the MTN8 Cup (Orlando Pirates), Carling Knockout Cup (Magesi FC), Nedbank Cup (Kaizer Chiefs) and the CAF Champions League (Pyramids FC). It wasn't unrealistic to expect Sundowns to win all these competitions.

Last year, Flemming said the mandate for the Sundowns coach was to secure victory in every competition the club entered.