Cardoso explains Mokoena’s surprise bench role in Sundowns win over Milford

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says Teboho Mokoena was left out of the starting line-up against Milford purely as part of his approach to managing the squad after a demanding MTN8 semi-final second leg.

Mokoena came on as a second-half substitute as Sundowns secured a 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over newly promoted Milford on Wednesday.

His omission from the starting XI had raised eyebrows, with Bathusi Aubaas and Marcelo Allende selected as the two central midfielders against The Stallions. The decision also attracted attention because of reports linking Mokoena with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.

However, Cardoso insisted there was no deeper reason behind the former SuperSport United midfielder’s absence from the team.

Sundowns had been involved in a gruelling match against Golden Arrows in the previous MTN8 semi-final second leg, and the coach said several players were rested as part of a wider rotation policy.

“No, Tebza stayed on the bench like any other players, as you saw Brayan (Leon) stayed on the bench, like players who started the previous one, Fawaaz (Basadien) started the previous one, stayed on the bench, (Thapelo) Morena started the previous one started on the bench,” the Portuguese coach explained in a post-match press conference.

The Brazilians found it difficult to break down a disciplined Milford side during the opening stages at the stadium. Sundowns eventually took the lead just before half-time after Milford centre-back Vusumuzi Mthabela was dispossessed inside the penalty area while attempting to play out as the last defender.

Aubrey Modiba won the ball and Iqraam Rayners was on hand to finish from close range.

Sundowns continued to search for a second goal after the interval, with Cardoso eventually introducing Mokoena in place of Aubaas. The Tshwane club appeared to gain greater control in midfield and offered more penetration once Mokoena was on the pitch.

Their pressure was rewarded when Antonio Van Wyk scored the second goal with 14 minutes remaining, securing the points and giving Sundowns the cushion they had been seeking.

Before kick-off, reports from overseas outlets had repeatedly suggested that Al Ahli were interested in Mokoena. The Saudi Arabian club were reportedly considering him as a possible replacement for Franck Kessie, the former Barcelona midfielder who has returned to Serie A side Atalanta.

Cardoso said Mokoena’s involvement, or lack of it, should instead be viewed in the context of the physical demands placed on the squad and the need to keep players fresh over a demanding run of fixtures.

“(Khulumani) Ndamane did not even come to call-up, so look, when you play matches with the intensity, I think you saw, because you praised the level we’ve been putting, we put it both in AmaZulu and then Arrows away. The intensity of that match, if you don’t change a few players in the team, today (Wednesday evening) we would be on our knees, in this match and for the future.

“The rotation of the players has to do with the management of the group, also providing opportunities for everybody and nothing more than that,” Cardoso added.