Cardoso hails Sundowns’ discipline after narrow Arrows win

Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso praised his side for sticking to their tactical plan as they edged past Golden Arrows 1-0 in the Carling Knockout quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday.

Iqraam Rayners scored the decisive second-half goal to secure Sundowns’ place in the semi-finals, with Cardoso pleased by the team’s focus and composure throughout a closely contested match.

“What was interesting to see is that the team didn’t escape from the plan, they were focused enough to keep on playing,” Cardoso told the media during the post-match press conference.

The Portuguese coach said the players’ commitment to the strategy had been central to the victory.

“I think the team was very loyal to the plan and that was very important for the coach. We were very solid and committed and I’m happy to be in the semifinal of the competition.”

Cardoso also provided an update on the fitness of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena, with Sundowns preparing for Sunday’s Caf Super Cup final against USM Alger.

Mokoena has been absent for four consecutive matches, while Williams has missed three in a row. Cardoso stressed that neither player would be rushed back if doing so put their health at risk.

“Look, we cannot risk the health of a player. Our role here is to protect the players and the health of the players,” he said.

“Let’s see how things will progress. Obviously we would like to have them ready for the biggest matches. I think that we have, obviously, in the team players who are doing well in those positions, whom we trust.”

Cardoso explained that Mokoena had returned from international duty injured and was not fit when he rejoined the club.

“We had a big setback with Teboho, as you understood publicly. He didn’t come in, not even close to being in good condition, when he returned from the national team; he came back injured.”

Mokoena had been selected for the MTN8 final, but suffered another problem involving the same leg after making his return.

“It was very important that we could play him in that final of the MTN8. But then there was an unfortunate moment when he was standing on one leg. He had contact, and of course there was a small thing there on the leg, but it’s the second time, the same leg, same thing.”

Cardoso said extensive work was being done to restore both players to full fitness. He described Williams’ situation as a similar process rather than a major injury.

“Let’s see. A lot of work has been done on him. Williams is a similar process, so it’s not a big injury, it’s more a pathology. He has also been struggling, and we are doing our best to have him in proper condition.”

The Sundowns manager added that patience remained important in the recovery of both players.

“We need to protect these players, so I think that with a little bit of time everything will be OK.”