Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela has reportedly taken charge of training at the club’s Kloofkop training facility in the absence of head coach Miguel Cardoso, as uncertainty continues to surround the technical team following the Brazilians’ disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League.

According to sources, Komphela oversaw preparations as Sundowns turned their attention to the upcoming Carling Knockout Cup encounter against Marumo Gallants. His involvement comes at a sensitive moment for the Tshwane giants, whose continental ambitions suffered a major setback after their unexpectedly early elimination from Africa’s premier club competition.

The development has fuelled speculation about Cardoso’s position, particularly after the club’s management reportedly called an emergency meeting with the Portuguese tactician to discuss the way forward. The meeting is understood to have focused on the team’s recent performances and the implications of the Champions League exit for the club’s immediate plans.

However, it remains unclear whether Cardoso’s absence from training was directly linked to the reported meeting or whether any decision has been taken regarding his future. Sundowns have not been confirmed to have announced a change in the head coach’s position.

For a club accustomed to competing for domestic and continental honours, an early Champions League exit represents a significant disappointment. Sundowns have invested heavily in building a squad capable of challenging Africa’s strongest teams, making their elimination particularly difficult for supporters and club officials to accept.

Cardoso arrived at Chloorkop with expectations of maintaining Sundowns’ dominance in South African football while pushing the team towards continental success. His ability to meet those objectives is likely to remain under scrutiny as the club assesses its performance and looks for ways to restore confidence.

Komphela, meanwhile, brings considerable experience within South African football and familiarity with the demands of working at a club with Sundowns’ ambitions. His reported involvement in training could prove important as preparations continue for the Carling Knockout Cup clash against Marumo Gallants.

The upcoming fixture offers Sundowns an immediate opportunity to redirect their attention towards domestic competition and demonstrate that the continental disappointment has not derailed their season.

Nevertheless, questions surrounding the technical team are likely to persist until the club provides clarity on the reported emergency meeting and Cardoso’s status.

For now, the focus remains on preparations at Kloofkop, with Sundowns facing pressure to respond on the pitch while uncertainty surrounds the direction of their coaching setup. Any decision concerning Cardoso’s future could have significant consequences for the club’s campaign.

Source: Link