Pressure Mounts on Cardoso to Deliver in Sundowns’ Tie With Kaizer Chiefs After MTN8 Exit

• Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso is under-pressure deliver positive result when the Brazilians face Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership
• The Portuguese tactician came under serious pressure after Masandawana were knocked out of the MTN8 by Orlando Pirates
• A sports analyst while speaking to Briefly News shared his thoughts on pressure mounting on Cardoso to deliver three points against the Glamour Boys

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to battle against Kaizer Chiefs in their next match in the Betway Premiership after being knocked out of the MTN8 competition.

The Brazilians played out a 1-1 draw in both legs against Orlando Pirates, but the Sea Robbers got the better of them by winning 4-1 on penalties at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Miguel Cardoso, after the match, rejected talks about off-field issues affecting the Brazilians' performance on the pitch due to the club's ongoing issue with Lucas Ribeiro, who dragged them to FIFA, as well as their ongoing court case with Pitso Mosimane.

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Sundowns defeated Kaizer Chiefs both home and away in the Betway Premiership last season, but the Glamour Boys got the better of the Pretoria-based giants in their last match, which was in the Nedbank Cup semi-final, with a controversial goal from Ashley Preez deciding the tie.

Cardoso is under pressure to deliver a victory against Kaizer Chiefs after the Brazilians' exit from the MTN8, but he faces an Amakhosi side that has had a perfect start to the league this season with three successive wins.

Cardoso tasked with Kaizer Chiefs' challenge

Sport journalist Uche Anuma, in an exclusive chat with Briefly News, opened up on what he expects during the top-notch clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

He confirmed that Cardoso would be under pressure to deliver a positive result against a rejuvenated Kaizer Chiefs side this Wednesday.

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"The sweetest part of this game is that both teams are under pressure either to prove a point or save their job," he said.

"Miguel Cardoso is the person who needs a win from the game so badly, as he's obviously under pressure to deliver a positive result after a mixed start this season.

"The defeat against Pirates, who were looking like a struggling side, raised questions about Cardoso's management, as they've been struggling to win games this season.

"Sundowns must win convincingly against Kaizer Chiefs to show that Cardoso is still the right man for the job, and a loss could lead to the club management treating him with the same fate as Manqoba Mngqithi last season."

Anuma also insists Sundowns shouldn't consider sacking Cardoso regardless of their result against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday evening.

"The result against Kaizer Chiefs shouldn't determine the future of Cardoso at Sundowns. I don't think their situation is that bad this season," he added.

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"They can still end up winning the treble if they quickly sort out their off-field issues, especially with Lucas Ribeiro and Kutlwano Letlhaku.

"They are still top favourites to win the Betway Premiership this campaign."

Cardoso gives update on Bafana star's future

Briefly News earlier reported that Cardoso provided update on a South African international's future at Sundowns this summer.

The Bafana Bafana star has been linked with a move to other teams, but he still with the Brazilians fighting for his place in the starting line-up.

Source: Briefly News