Miguel Cardoso to Lead Mamelodi Sundowns Against Orbit College as Pitso Mosimane Talks Remain on Hold

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will remain in the dugout for the team's upcoming Betway Premiership match against Orbit College on Monday, but his long-term future at the club is far from secure.

Cardoso has been granted a reprieve as negotiations between the club and former coach Pitso Mosimane have been put on hold due to an ongoing court case involving the two parties.

The current technical team, led by Miguel Cardoso, has faced mounting pressure from the club's demanding fanbase.

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Despite Mamelodi Sundowns sitting second on the league table behind Orlando Pirates, supporters have voiced their displeasure with what they perceive as an "unattractive" style of play.

Further criticism has been directed at Cardoso's team selection, with allegations that he has shown a preference for foreign players like Arthur Sales, Miguel Reisinho, and Nuno Santos over local talents such as Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise, Jayden Adams, and Thapelo Maseko, even when they are fit.

With the Pitso Mosimane negotiations paused, Cardoso is set to lead the team against Orbit College and in their Champions League fixture against Al Hilal next Friday.

Mamelodi Sundowns management has been in discussions with Pitso Mosimane about a potential return to Chloorkop since late last year, but a deal has yet to be finalised.

Pitso Mosimane previously led Mamelodi Sundowns through a period of unprecedented success, securing five league titles, the Champions League, and the Super Cup, before his departure to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in 2020.

Should he return, questions remain about how he would work alongside the club's current sporting director, Flemming Berg.

A victory over Orbit College would propel Mamelodi Sundowns to the top of the league standings, although they would have played two more games than rivals Orlando Pirates.

A defeat, however, could have serious repercussions for Miguel Cardoso, who recently posted social media videos from the team's training camp in an apparent effort to project a sense of stability.

When asked about the impact of the persistent rumours, Bafana Bafana defender Aubrey Modiba insisted the players were not distracted.

"We don’t want to focus on what people write about," he stated. "Our focus is on the team and our preparations for the resumption of the league."

Speculation about Pitso Mosimane's influence has intensified following Mamelodi Sundowns' recent signings of former Orlando Pirates midfielder Monnapule Saleng and TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane. The club has also acquired Colombian attacker Brayan Léon.