Warning to Miguel Cardoso? Mamelodi Sundowns Suspend Key Technical Official Amid Dwindling Fortunes

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso could be looking over his shoulders following news that the club has suspended a long-serving technical official.

Sundowns have been in shaky form since the turn of the year and made their chances of reaching the CAF Champions League quarter-final more difficult following a 1-1 draw with St Eloi Lupopo in Lubumbashi on Sunday.

It left the Brazilians in third position in their group with six points, two behind leaders Al Hilal, and one adrift of MC Alger, while Lupopo have five. That means they must win at home to MC Alger on Saturday as anything else would knock them out.

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While Cardoso’s position has come under scrutiny, it is performance analyst Mario Masha who has been suspended with reports on Monday indicating that his future at the club is in doubt.

It is not known why Masha has been suspended given he has been a long servant of the club which he joined in August 2015 from Maritzburg United, now known as Durban City.

The suspension comes days after Masha completed a UEFA A Diploma course at the Scottish Football Association, a major step in his coaching and technical development, this month.

Masha is highly experienced as he has also worked abroad, having spent two years and three months at MLS club New York Red Bulls between August 2009 and October 2011.

His suspension comes at a period of uncertainty at Sundowns who are going through a rough run of results which has left Cardoso facing questions over his future.

Under Cardoso, Sundowns have not been impressive on the pitch and head into this weekend’s decisive Champions League match on the back of just three wins in eight games, four draws and a defeat, something unusual for the team.

A group stage exit from the Champions League would spell the end for Cardoso given his predecessors Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi were sacked due to lack of success in the competition which the club holds dear.