Cardoso backs Ndlovu to make an impact from the right for Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says Siyanda Ndlovu’s preferred position is on the right flank, despite the versatile attacker also being capable of playing as a playmaker or on the left wing.

Ndlovu joined Masandawana from Golden Arrows before the start of the new season and has made a promising early impression. He has appeared in five matches across all competitions, starting three of those games.

Cardoso explained that he asks every new arrival to identify the position in which they feel most comfortable after being introduced to Sundowns’ tactical structures.

“Look, when Siyanda arrived at Sundowns and when any player arrives at Sundowns, I usually put the structures that we use more in front of them and I ask them from 1 to the number you feel that you have to tell me which is your favourite position,” said Cardoso.

“So, imagine 4-2-3-1 and he goes there 1, 2, 3, 4. On Siyanda, it was very clear, my favourite position is the right. Of course, I know he can play inside, left and right.

“He can play basically, he just doesn’t want to play on the left, but I don’t know if it will happen on the left because this is not what you want it’s what we need.”

The Sundowns manager said Ndlovu’s ability to produce consistently has impressed him more than any individual moment of brilliance. Cardoso believes the player can show more of his natural talent as he becomes increasingly comfortable at a club where expectations are high.

“You don’t see extraordinary things, but you see consistency. The other day we were speaking because everybody thought that it would be a miracle that the guy would start making extraordinary things,” he added.

“And in the last two matches, you see consistency and that is a high-level player, let’s hope he can continue because then the games will give him opportunity to make those things naturally without the pressure to have to do it.

“That’s what I spoke about, you remember when I spoke about him that match, he played against Chiefs, I think the first one that everybody thought because when you come from the bench, there are always more spaces

“So, for a player like him the spaces are more than the ones you are going to find [when you started the match], so you need to play a different kind of game. That is why it is important for teams like us to have a strong bench to change those players and bring still energy from the bench that can decide the game.”

Cardoso’s comments underline the importance of Ndlovu’s adaptability within Sundowns’ system. While the coach sees the right side as his best position, he has also acknowledged that the player can operate centrally and on either wing when required.

The coach’s remarks come as Ndlovu continues to adjust to life at Sundowns after his move from Golden Arrows. His current record of five appearances, including three starts, represents an encouraging beginning to his time with Masandawana.

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