Cardoso provides injury update on Williams and Mokoena ahead of CAF Super Cup final

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has provided an update on the fitness of Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena ahead of Sunday’s CAF Super Cup final against USM Alger.

The South African duo have been sidelined since Sundowns’ shock exit from the CAF Champions League, missing the club’s two Carling Knockout Cup matches against Marumo Gallants and Golden Arrows, as well as their Betway Premiership fixture against Durban City.

Despite their absence, Sundowns have maintained their winning form, but Cardoso would welcome the return of the influential pair for the continental showdown against the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions.

However, the Portuguese tactician has admitted that their availability remains uncertain, insisting the club will not compromise the players’ health by rushing them back into action.

“We cannot risk the health of a player. That’s our goal here, to protect the players and the health of the players. Let’s see how things will progress. Obviously, we would like to have them ready for the biggest matches,” Cardoso told the media after Tuesday’s victory over Golden Arrows.

The Sundowns coach revealed that Mokoena has been dealing with a recurring problem in the same leg after returning from international duty with an injury.

The midfielder had initially battled to regain full fitness before suffering another setback during Sundowns’ encounter against Wiliete in the MTN8 competition.

Cardoso said the club had invested significant effort in his recovery but remained cautious about when he would be ready to return.

“He did not come in close to being in good condition from the national team. He came injured and it was important that we could play in that final of the MTN8, but then there was an unfortunate action against Wiliete, where he was standing on one leg and he had a contact,” he added.

“A lot of work has been done on him. I think his mood is okay. His capacity to play, let’s see.”

Williams, meanwhile, is also following a recovery programme, although Cardoso indicated that his situation is not necessarily a major injury concern.

“Ronza is a similar process. It’s not a big injury, it’s more pathology. He has also been struggling and we are making our best to have him in proper conditions because we need to protect these players.

“I think with a little bit of time, everything will be okay,” Cardoso said.

Sundowns will face USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, with the opportunity to claim their second CAF Super Cup title.

The Pretoria-based side previously won the competition in 2017 under former coach Pitso Mosimane and will be hoping to repeat that success at the same venue.