Cardoso explains why Sundowns brought goalkeeper Goss back

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says Ricardo Goss has returned to the club to provide dependable competition and help manage Ronwen Williams’ workload during a demanding season across several competitions.

The Bafana Bafana international spent the past four seasons away from his parent club. He played for SuperSport United on loan for three campaigns before continuing his career with Siwelele last season.

Cardoso believes Goss has the ability to challenge for the starting position while also offering Sundowns a strong alternative in goal when Williams needs to be rested.

“Ricardo’s quality is undeniable,” said Cardoso.

Goss was previously part of the Sundowns squad during the period when Denis Onyango was the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Cardoso also pointed to Goss’ connection with the arrival of Williams at the club.

“He was here a long time ago during the prime of Denis Onyango and was involved in the [transfer] business of Ronwen [Williams].

“So, when Ronwen came in the club, he went out and we thought that naturally it would be a good opportunity to bring him back he’s a qualified player.

“Last year, we had here and then some issues with Ronwen, you will remember that there was a few matches that he could not play and we need that capacity to give rest to players that play so much that almost don’t rest on transitions of seasons so that throughout the season we can here and also give a rest.”

Cardoso said Goss had not been brought back simply to serve as a replacement for another player. Instead, the Portuguese coach views him as someone capable of competing for regular selection.

“He didn’t cometo substitute no one, but he came to fight for a place that he has all the qualities to do. Also, Denis is still important, but the age doesn’t forgive, we are preparing him to be still a player in the group important by the leadership”

Goss’ performances for Siwelele last season also strengthened the case for his return, according to Cardoso. The coach said the goalkeeper had played regularly and performed well, while Sundowns continued to plan for Onyango’s future contribution to the squad.

“His capacity last year he played and played well but we are also preparing him for important things in the future.”

Sundowns’ decision comes as the club prepares for a schedule involving multiple competitions. Cardoso said the depth provided by Goss would allow the team to protect players who are required to play frequently, particularly during the transition between seasons and throughout the campaign.

Williams remains an important member of the squad, but the return of Goss gives Sundowns another experienced goalkeeper and creates greater competition for the position. Onyango, meanwhile, continues to have a role within the group, with Cardoso highlighting his leadership and the club’s plans for his continued involvement.

The Betway Premiership side therefore see Goss’ return as serving two purposes: strengthening their goalkeeping options immediately and ensuring Williams can be managed across a long and demanding season.