Cardoso explains why Thabo Cele is not a natural holding midfielder for Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says Thabo Cele is not a natural number six and performs best when partnered with a specialist holding midfielder.

The 29-year-old joined Sundowns on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to end his contract with Kaizer Chiefs in September 2026. The Brazilians moved quickly to secure his services and Cele has made an encouraging start to his career at the Chloorkop-based club.

He has been included in consecutive matchday squads and made his official debut as a substitute during Sundowns’ MTN8 final victory over Orlando Pirates.

Cardoso believes Cele’s performances are improved when he has a more defensive-minded midfielder alongside him.

“He came, and he profited a little bit from also the fact that Bathusi Aubaas got injured, the fact that also Gomolemo Kekana got injured, and we have also Pitso [Sphelele Mkhulise] to bring in this period with us,” Cardoso said.

“When he doesn’t play with a player that is more a six, he struggles more,” he added. “He’s not clearly a six, but he will be a player to help us in the future even more.”

Cele also featured in Sundowns’ league match against Richards Bay, although Cardoso felt his contribution was more consistent than it had been during the cup final.

“Obviously, when we bring a player into the club, we also try to give him momentum of belief because it’s true, it’s reasonable, it’s acceptable, and we want him to feel that so that he quickly settles in the group,” said Cardoso.

“And after that, I think today [against Richards Bay] he entered more consistently in the match rather than in the cup.

“He entered in a moment when the match was very broken because we were seeking a second goal out of those imbalances.”

Sundowns’ demanding schedule

Sundowns are competing in an unprecedented eight competitions this season, increasing the importance of having depth across the squad.

Their technical team will need to use all of its midfield options during a demanding domestic and continental campaign. Cele’s ability to pass and carry the ball is expected to be particularly valuable as the season progresses.

The reigning African champions will next turn their attention to the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns travel to Angola to face Wiliete S.C. in the first leg of the competition’s second qualifying round. The match will be played on Sunday, 18 October 2026, with kick-off at 15:00 at the Estadio Nacional de Ombaka.