Mamelodi Sundowns' Miguel Cardoso under more pressure than Orlando Pirates' Jose Riveiro, believes ex-Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela believes coach Miguel Cardoso is under more pressure than Orlando Pirates' Jose Riveiro.

Killer, as Mphela is famously known, believes the Masandawana coach is under more spotlight given the amount of financial resources the club pumps into the playing unit.

Although he acknowledges that Riveiro is also under pressure because Pirates have not won the league under him, he says that pressure cannot be compared to what is experienced at Chloorkop.

“I think both of them are under pressure,” Mphela told iDiski Times.

“Like you said, Cardoso came and took over from a team that was doing well; they’re used to winning cups. And for him, the Betway Premiership is a must [win].

“It’s a must because all these coaches have been winning that. It’s a must. It’s not something they’re looking at, and to win big games is a must as well. I think his mandate will be more on the Champions League," he added.

“But also you go to Pirates, I mean, the guy got three seasons under his belt, and I think he has done magnificently well; he’s won cups and taken them to the Champions League.

“But I think also their fans, when you listen from outside, their fans, their eye is on the league; they don’t care much about the trophies that he has won domestically; they really want the league," Mphela continued.

“So for him, I think he has done well, and to be honest, check the expenditure of both teams. I think Sundowns spend a lot of money on players, and Riveiro gives these youngsters a chance to come and showcase their talent.

“So I think Cardoso is more under pressure than Riveiro," the former Bafana Bafana forward concluded.

Mphela's comparison comes at a time Pirates are set to host the Brazilians for a blockbuster Premier Soccer League encounter at the FNB on Sunday.

The Bucs, although with fewer games, trail Sundowns by 18 points, and should they lose the second-round fixture, their title dream will be dealt a mortal blow.

Cardoso would hope to extend Sundowns' dominance over the Soweto giants, a side they defeated 4-1 in the first-round duel.

The former Esperance coach joined Sundowns in December 2024, has had an impressive run so far and is on the verge of defending the PSL title.

On the other hand, Riveiro has experienced struggles in the league campaigns, although he has won cups since he joined in June 2022.

He is also on course to defend the Nedbank Cup and will face Marumo Gallants in the semi-final.

When Pirates host the Brazilians, Riveiro would hope to win and slow down the PSL reigning champions as they march towards what is highly likely to be their eighth straight title.