Cardoso explains why Sundowns are managing Ndlovu’s minutes

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says new signing Siyanda Ndlovu is being carefully managed after returning from a muscle injury, with the club unwilling to rush the 22-year-old midfielder into playing a full match.

Ndlovu has appeared in two of Sundowns’ four matches this season, making his debut against Kaizer Chiefs before coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants.

The midfielder made an impression in both games after being introduced in the second half. He also contributed to the build-up for Sundowns’ second goal against Marumo Gallants, underlining the attacking influence Cardoso believes he can provide once fully integrated into the team.

However, Cardoso said Ndlovu’s limited involvement is part of a deliberate plan following the injury he suffered shortly after joining the club during pre-season.

“Ndlovu arrived at Sundowns, he made one week and a few more days and he got a muscle injury. We went to Austria, he was injured and he started training with us a few, maybe one week ago,” said Cardoso.

The coach added that increasing Ndlovu’s playing time too quickly could raise the possibility of another setback.

“We know that we have limitations on his use in terms of minutes otherwise the risk of injury will increase as he plays more.

“So that is exactly the things that people that are from outside don’t understand because they are not in possession of all the information that we that are inside we work permanently on. It also depends on the level of matches because there are also behaviours inside the pitch that he doesn’t control.

“He’s obviously a fantastic, creative player that will help us for sure a lot as many others but his process of integration in the team is something we have to do naturally and carefully because when you come from an injury the worst thing that can happen is to go back on the same process.

“So that’s what we are doing and we are doing well and he’s also doing well on understanding and entering to help and I think he did very well.”

Ndlovu joined Sundowns during the pre-season but sustained the muscle problem only a week and a few days after his arrival. He then travelled with the squad to Austria while injured and only resumed training with the team roughly a week before Cardoso’s comments.

That limited preparation has influenced the way Sundowns are using him, with the club assessing both his physical condition and the demands of each match before deciding how many minutes he can play.

Cardoso also stressed that the decision is not based solely on Ndlovu’s fitness. The midfielder must adapt to the different situations that arise during matches, including aspects of play that he cannot always control.

Despite the cautious approach, the coach praised Ndlovu’s attitude and progress since his return. Cardoso believes the player is responding well to the process of joining the team and has already shown that he can make a positive contribution from the bench.

For now, Sundowns will continue to increase his involvement gradually, with the priority being to prevent a repeat of the injury and allow the midfielder to establish himself safely within the squad.