Who is to blame for Mamelodi Sundowns' MTN8 elimination by Orlando Pirates? - 'He should leave with Miguel Cardoso; I don't see Sundowns winning anything this season'

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Charles Motlohi has called for the sacking of head coach Miguel Cardoso and Sporting Director Flemming Berg.

Motlohi's call comes after Masandawana were bundled out of the MTN8 by Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

The former midfielder has blamed the sporting director for the struggles shown by the Tshwane giants.

"I hardly remember Sundowns completing two touches on Saturday, and I was left wondering what was happening," Motlohi told KickOff.

"When Lebo Mothiba came on, he didn’t touch the ball even once. I thought to myself, this coach must go. He is trying to change our system and is altering our identity," he added.

"I also hold the Sporting Director, Flemming Berg, responsible for everything that is going wrong right now. He should leave along with the coach. I have never seen Sundowns being dominated in a match, but that’s exactly what happened on Saturday."

"Pirates were all over Sundowns."

The former midfielder has warned that the Brazilians could end the season empty-handed if the two remain at the club. He has also named the former Sundowns coaches who are suitable for the job.

"A team that was making headlines on the big stage, such as the Club World Cup, not so long ago, is now performing like this? I don't see Sundowns winning anything this season. It’s going to be a dry season with this coach," he added.

"I was not a fan of the likes of Rhulani Mokwena due to their arrogance, but right now, I want him back. If it's not him, then it should be Pitso Mosimane."

The MTN8 elimination piled more pressure on Cardoso, whose side is yet to regain their lethal form seen last season as they went ahead to claim an eighth straight league title.

The Tshwane giants dropped points when they started the 2025/26 campaign, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United. Masandawana then moved up the ladder following wins against AmaZulu and Magesi.

However, their season momentum was slowed by Pirates, who ended their campaign in the domestic competition at the semi-final stage.

Next for the Brazilians is a trip to FNB Stadium to face Kaizer Chiefs, who, unlike them, have not dropped points so far.

This is expected to be a blockbuster duel, given that Chiefs would want to keep their winning run going while Sundowns are eager to win and send a statement that they could be wounded but remain dangerous.