The chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Thlopie Motsepe, has revealed that the team’s recent performances and approach to play have not met the club’s prestigious standards.

The club has made the difficult decision to part ways with head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, with his departure announced during a hastily arranged press conference on Tuesday. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso has been appointed to take over.

Sundowns’ poor form, which includes a disappointing loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final and an uninspiring start to the CAF Champions League group stage, was influential in this decision. Although the team currently tops the Betway Premiership, their performances have not been as commanding or visually appealing as in previous seasons under Rulani Mokwena.

“Mamelodi Sundowns has always been a club that takes pride in playing attractive, entertaining, and successful football,” Motsepe conveyed during the press conference.

“This is why we don the colors we do and why we’ve earned the moniker Bafana Ba Style.
“However, alongside this football identity, the mentality that has been cultivated in this club over the years is crucial.”

“We appreciate all the coaches and players who have been part of our journey. This mentality centers around our motto—to relentlessly pursue greatness, set ambitious goals, and consistently strive for success.

“We are an ambitious and forward-thinking football club. However, in recent months, our team has struggled to embody that ambition and uphold the high standards we expect of ourselves, both as a board and as an organization.

“We believe our supporters deserve the high quality and standards of football we aim to provide.

“That being said, this decision was not made lightly. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi and coach Wendell Robinson have been integral to the football club for over two decades—22 years collectively, to be precise.

“They have played a significant role during the club’s most momentous and successful periods and have shown tremendous support for Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Coach Romain Folz, who joined us recently, was also a valuable asset to the technical team. His enthusiasm, attitude, and desire to improve are qualities that we deeply valued. Still, I must stress that we needed to take a different path.”

Cardoso, who previously led Esperance to victory against Sundowns in the CAF Champions League semi-final, will be at the helm for his first match as Sundowns coach against Raja Casablanca at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.