Cardoso hails Sundowns’ discipline after Golden Arrows win

Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso praised his side’s ability to stick to their tactical plan after a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows secured a place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals.

Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal of the match in the second half at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, giving Sundowns a hard-fought victory.

Cardoso said he was pleased with the focus and organisation shown by his players throughout the game.

“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 at his post-match press conference.

“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.”

The Sundowns manager also provided an update on Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena before 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 before they were fully fit.

“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 returned from international duty with an injury and had not been close to full fitness.

“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,” he said.

“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 Mokoena had undergone extensive treatment, while Williams was dealing with a similar issue 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,” he said.

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