Throwing a shade at Miguel Cardoso? Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Shaun Bartlett convinced Mamelodi Sundowns 'do not even need a coach to be on the touchline' in PSL games

Mamelodi Sundowns Miguel Cardoso came under attack after the Brazilians failed to win the CAF Champions League, losing the final to Pyramids of Egypt.

This saw the Portuguese coach facing what was an uncertain future until a decent performance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

With Sundowns still enjoying dominance on the domestic front, former Kaizer Chiefs forward Shaun Bartlett explains what could take Cardoso down.

"When it comes to Sundowns, 80 percent of the time you get the league wrapped up purely because of the squad and the quality they possess, across the park, from the goalkeeper to the striker," Bartlett said as per KickOff.

"It's more about the Champions League, will he be able to give them that Champions League which has been eluding them for the past couple of years. Last season they came close again. For Sundowns it's always about competing at a bigger stage. 

"I think the Premiership they found a way to get the squad together, where they can play two, three different teams consecutively because of the quality they have," added the former Chiefs assistant coach.

"No disrespect to any coach but I think for the last few years, that Sundowns team is a well-oiled machine and sometimes you don't even need a coach to be on the touchline. 

"For Cardoso I think the pressure will come in the CAF Champions League, that is where Sundowns want more success, if he doesn't get it this season, it's going to be difficult for them to retain him."

It is back to ground zero for Sundowns in the 2025/26 season where they will start with bidding for the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup and defending the PSL title.

Missing some of these trophies could doom Cardoso after Sundowns managed to win just one domestic competition last term.

Most importantly, the Champions League remains Masandawana's biggest priority and they have a target to clinch it for the first time since 2016.

After participating in the Club World Cup, Sundowns are now on the off-field break.

They are yet to confirm new signings and have indicated they might not go to Europe for pre-season training like last season.