Cardoso backs Cele to become an important player for Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes Thabo Cele can make an increasingly significant contribution to the club, despite acknowledging that the midfielder is not a traditional number six.

Cele joined the Brazilians as a free agent during the recent transfer window after leaving Kaizer Chiefs before the start of the current campaign.

The 29-year-old has been named in the matchday squad for three matches. He was an unused substitute in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup meeting with Al Ahli before making his debut in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.

He then featured in Sundowns’ Betway Premiership match against Richards Bay, with Cardoso saying Cele looked more comfortable in that appearance than he had during the cup final.

“Thabo came in and benefited slightly from the fact that Bathusi Aubaas was injured, Gomolemo Kekana was also injured, and we have Pitso [Sphelele Mkhulise] with us during this period,” said Cardoso.

“Thabo, as well as the other players I mentioned, are all capable of playing for this team at any moment. They are players we trust, players who work very well and players who are very serious.”

Cardoso explains Cele’s role

Cardoso said the club had worked to give Cele confidence as he settled into a new squad, while also stressing that the midfielder’s performances would improve with greater consistency.

“When we bring a player into the club, we also try to give him a sense of belief. It is true, reasonable and acceptable, and we want him to feel that so that he can settle into the group quickly,” he said.

“I think today [against Richards Bay] he entered the match more consistently than he did in the cup.”

Cele was introduced during a disjointed period of the MTN8 final, when Sundowns were attempting to score a second goal as Orlando Pirates pushed for an equaliser.

“The cup match was played at a moment when the game was very broken. We were looking for a second goal from the spaces Pirates were leaving because they were searching for the equaliser,” Cardoso added.

“We also launched several counter-attacks, which disrupted the organisation a little, and midfielders are usually the players who struggle most in those circumstances. But I think today he entered the match quite consistently.”

Cardoso conceded that Cele faces a greater challenge when he is not partnered with a player who operates as a defensive midfielder.

“Obviously, when he does not play alongside someone who is more of a six, he struggles more. He is not clearly a six, but I think he will be a player who helps us even more in the future.”