Mamelodi Sundowns face an unusual period after a dramatic exit from the Caf Champions League. The Tshwane giants suffered an away-goals defeat to Angolan side Wiliete at Loftus Stadium on Friday. Consequently, they will miss the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition for the first time in 12 years.
This result comes as a huge surprise given their recent continental dominance. Mamelodi Sundowns FC enter this phase as the reigning African champions after lifting the trophy last season.
Despite the setback, head coach Miguel Cardoso maintains a broader perspective on the team’s overall trajectory. The coach points to their strong foundation and recent successes across multiple fronts.
Under his leadership, the club has already secured two trophies this campaign: the MTN8 title and the African-Asian Pacific Cup. Furthermore, they currently lead the domestic standings in South Africa.
“In the last two years we have reached two finals in a row and put one star on the shirt,” Cardoso stated after Friday’s fixture. “This season we have already played for two trophies and won two trophies. We are leading the league in South Africa. It is a punch in the face, yes. But what makes us stronger is how we react.”
Cardoso emphasized that accountability remains shared across the entire squad. “It is on everyone when we win, and everyone when we lose. What happened today was horrible for us. But the season is very far from being a catastrophe. We just need to move forward,” he added.
Looking ahead, Sundowns maintain a dense competitive schedule. Their immediate focus shifts to the Carling Black Label Knockout last 16 tie against Marumo Gallants FC. Their opponents currently sit at the bottom of the Premiership table with two points from eight matches.
The club’s broader targets include regaining the Betway Premiership title, which Orlando Pirates claimed last season. Additional targets include the Nedbank Cup, the Carling Knockout, and a potential FIFA Intercontinental Cup fixture against Paris Saint-Germain in December.
Their next immediate silverware opportunity arrives quickly. Sundowns host Algeria’s USM Alger at Loftus in the Caf African Super Cup on November 8. Cardoso highlighted the importance of fan support to help the team rebound.
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Source information reported via citizen.co.za.