Cardoso explains Ndamane substitution as Mvala makes Sundowns return

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says Khulumani Ndamane was substituted at half-time to avoid the risk of a second yellow card, as Mthobi Mvala returned to action for the first time since 24 September 2025.

Ndamane had already been booked during the opening 45 minutes, and Cardoso decided the defender’s continued involvement could leave Sundowns vulnerable, particularly against a side looking to attack on the transition.

The match was goalless at the interval, but Sundowns produced a decisive second-half display, scoring three goals to secure a comfortable victory. Malibongwe Khoza was named Man of the Match after an impressive performance.

Cardoso said the decision to replace Ndamane was influenced by the nature of the game and the danger of conceding another booking in a defensive duel.

“We decided to take Ndamane out because of the yellow card, it’s always dangerous to play teams that are waiting for transitions, on a duel we can get a second card, and then the match was 0-0,” he said onSuperSportTV.

“So we decided immediately to bring also Mthobi, I’m very happy he comes back after such a long time. I think he played very well also.

The change also marked an important moment for Mvala, who had not played since 24 September 2025. Cardoso welcomed the defender back into the team and praised the way he handled his return after such a lengthy absence.

The Sundowns manager then turned his attention to Khoza, referring to the young defender as “Mali” while highlighting his contribution and potential.

“Congratulations to Mali. We know what we have there, the Sundowns future is also in the hands of the young players. Today, he showed maturity and obviously as more experience we give the best he will become.

“And bravo for him, bravo for the team. I think it was a beautiful game defensively also.”

Khoza’s Man of the Match award underlined the role played by Sundowns’ younger players in the victory. Cardoso said the performance demonstrated both the ability already within the squad and the importance of giving emerging players opportunities to develop.

The tactical adjustment at half-time therefore served two purposes: it protected Ndamane from the possibility of being sent off and allowed Mvala to make his long-awaited return. Sundowns went on to improve significantly after the break, adding three goals to turn a 0-0 half-time score into a convincing win.

Cardoso also praised the collective defensive effort, describing the performance as a strong one for the team as a whole. The result was secured through a combination of disciplined defending, Mvala’s return and the impact of Sundowns’ younger players, with Khoza standing out in particular.