Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has reportedly offered to accept a 50% salary cut for the remainder of the season following the club’s CAF Champions League exit.

Cardoso said the 50% reduction would serve as a reminder to remain focused and avoid complacency. He added that Sundowns are a big club and should not be eliminated before reaching the group stages, describing the early exit as a major disappointment for the club.

The Brazilians were eliminated from the CAF Champions League at the second preliminary round after drawing 1-1 with Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night. The first leg in Angola had ended in a goalless draw, with Sundowns failing to do enough in the return match to secure qualification.

Tashreeq Matthews gave Sundowns the lead in the 11th minute, raising hopes that the home side would progress to the next round. However, Cristóvão “Mabululu” Paciência equalised in the 48th minute, leaving the South African side needing another goal to avoid elimination.

Despite registering 18 shots compared to Wiliete’s six, Sundowns could not find the winning goal. The result means the reigning African champions have missed the Champions League group stages for the first time in 11 seasons, putting pressure on the team and its technical staff.

Cardoso did not directly address whether his position was under threat following the disappointing result. Instead, he highlighted Sundowns’ recent achievements in continental football, including reaching two semi-finals and two finals over the past four years.

The Portuguese coach also pointed out that the team had won two trophies this season and remained at the top of the South African league standings. However, he admitted that the elimination was a major setback and said everyone at the club had to accept responsibility for the result.

Cardoso explained that the team had created opportunities to finish the tie but failed to take advantage of them. He revealed that he had told his players at half-time that they should have done more to put the match beyond Wiliete’s reach.

Although the defeat was painful, Cardoso insisted that Sundowns’ season was far from being a catastrophe. He said the team still had important matches and trophies to compete for and needed to move forward rather than remain focused on the disappointment.

The coach also called for unity among the players, technical staff, club management and supporters. He believes the team’s response in the coming weeks will show its character and determination.

Cardoso urged supporters to continue filling the stadium and providing their usual energy as Sundowns attempt to recover from the setback. He stressed that the club must remain united and committed as it looks to finish the season strongly.

Source: IDiskiTimes