Premier Soccer League (PSL) reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns have thrown their weight behind the team’s head coach, Miguel Cardoso, who has been under pressure this season.

Sundowns are yet to win a trophy this season after missing out on the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. However, they remain in contention for the league title, as well as the CAF Champions League.

The Brazilians are currently placed second on the Betway Premiership standings behind Orlando Pirates, while they are in the quarterfinals of the Champions League and will face Malian club, Stade Malien.

This season, there have been growing calls for Cardoso, who took over in December 2024, to step down owing to inconsistencies in Sundowns performances. Motsepe, however, has dug in his heels and insisted that Sundowns are still on course for success under the tutelage of Cardoso, despite claims that Sundowns have regressed.

“I don’t think we ever said that if things dip, we would fire the coach. However, given the team’s performance this season, you have to look at it in context,” said Motsepe.

“Where are we in terms of our league position? At this time last year, we were first; we are still first this season, and we have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. So, that dream is still very much alive.

“From a global perspective, if this team were in any other league and in the Champions League quarter-finals, I don’t think that would require immediate or drastic action. Of course, we would have hoped to win a couple more trophies by this stage of the season,” he admitted.

“The coach has acknowledged that as well. Our players started the season with the ambition to be completely successful, and that’s what we aim for every year. While the ups and downs have been a bit disappointing, what has made me incredibly proud is the resilience of the team under the pressure and criticism we have faced.”

Last season, the Portuguese guided Sundowns to the title, which was their eighth in a row.