Cardoso sees CAF Champions League exit as chance to develop Sundowns winger Ndlovu

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes Siyanda Ndlovu can use the team’s early CAF Champions League exit to make significant progress, with extra training time allowing the promising attacker to improve his tactical understanding and consistency.

Ndlovu has impressed with his attacking intent since joining Sundowns from Golden Arrows during the off-season, but Cardoso says the winger still has important areas to address, particularly in his defensive work and decision-making.

The 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday evening brought Ndlovu’s tally to three goals and five goal contributions in 13 appearances. The result also secured Sundowns’ place in the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup.

Cardoso praised the player’s contribution while stressing that his performances need to become more consistent.

“Siyanda is obviously a player who can bring unpredictability to a match, but there are still many things in his game that he needs to learn,” Cardoso said.

“Defensively, he still struggles, but we have to try to get the best out of him and help him improve more and more.”

The Portuguese coach added that Sundowns’ collective organisation has helped cover for Ndlovu when he has not fulfilled his tactical responsibilities.

“When he makes mistakes on the pitch, the team covers for him. That is what has been happening because he wants to do well,” Cardoso said.

“It is just a matter of making clear what we want him to do and building consistency in his behaviour.”

Cardoso said the disappointment of the CAF Champions League elimination could have a positive consequence for Ndlovu and his team-mates. Sundowns will have more time to work on tactical details after returning from Qatar, including aspects of individual tactics aimed at helping players develop.

“Unfortunately, very unfortunately, we will have more time to train in one month when we come back from Qatar,” he said.

“With more time to train, we will probably also have more time to teach them some of the things that are important for their growth as individuals in terms of individual tactics. That will then benefit the team and help the team grow.”

Cardoso was encouraged by Ndlovu’s display against Marumo Gallants, highlighting the effort and purpose the player brings to matches.

“I think he played a beautiful game today, with a lot of intention. He gives everything all the time, and he has been producing outcomes from that,” Cardoso said.

“Of course, we need to make the most of it.”

The next challenge for Ndlovu is to maintain the quality of his attacking performances while becoming more disciplined and reliable defensively. Cardoso made clear that Sundowns are committed to helping the winger develop into a more complete player.