Mamelodi Sundowns Sporting Director Flemming Berg and head coach Miguel Cardoso had to be whisked away by security through a stadium back door on Friday night after furious supporters turned on the club’s leadership.
The drama unfolded immediately after the final whistle of the 2-2 draw against Al Hilal. Sundowns, who had fought back from a goal down thanks to strikes from Arthur Sales and a Teboho Mokoena rocket, surrendered their lead in the 70th minute due to what Cardoso later described as “naive” defensive errors.
The Incident: What Happened?
As Berg made his way toward the tunnel area, a section of the crowd in the grandstand began hurlng insults and eventually splashed an unidentified liquid (confirmed by witnesses as water and energy drinks) onto the Sporting Director, drenching his shirt.
Security personnel intervened instantly, forming a human shield to escort Berg and Cardoso away from the angry mob as projectiles and chants filled the air.
Why are the Fans Angry?
The frustration isn’t just about one draw. The “Masandawana” faithful are reaching a breaking point for several reasons:
- The “Pitso” Chants: The stadium echoed with chants of “Pitso! Pitso!”, with fans openly demanding the return of legendary coach Pitso Mosimane, who is currently a free agent and rumored to be in talks with the club.
- Transfer Strategy: Supporters have grown vocal in their dislike of Berg’s recruitment policy, accusing him of prioritizing “expensive South American flops” over local talent and losing the club’s “Kasi” identity.
- The Style of Play: Under Miguel Cardoso (who replaced Manqoba Mngqithi in late 2024), fans complain that the football has become “robotic” and lacks the flair seen under previous regimes.
Group B Standing
Despite the chaos, Sundowns remain at the top of Group B with 5 points from three games, but only by a slim margin. With a difficult trip to Sudan for the return leg against Al Hilal looming, the pressure on Berg and Cardoso has never been higher.
