Cardoso refuses to fast-track Sundowns’ young prospects

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says emerging players such as Bennet Mokoena will have to earn their opportunities, insisting he will not select them simply because they are younger than their team-mates.

The 19-year-old attacker made a rare start in Sundowns’ 3-2 MTN8 quarter-final victory over Polokwane City on Saturday, prompting calls for him to receive more playing time during the season.

However, Cardoso has warned against placing excessive expectations on Mokoena too soon as he competes with more experienced players for a place in Sundowns’ attack.

“Bennet played well against Polokwane City because he was very good during preseason,” said Cardoso, who also has several other promising youngsters in his squad, including Gomolemo Kekana, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Siyabonga Mabena.

“I don’t do favours for players and I don’t play players because they are younger or older.

“I have to analyse performances and naturally from a young player we have to be more tolerant. I think he had a good game [against Polokwane] and he was good during our pre-season in Austria. You can remember in our friendly against RB Leipzig, he had a good game and I think we have a good asset for the future of the club.

“It is my obligation as a coach to give him opportunities together with the likes of Gomolemo Kekana and the others to make a statement in the squad.”

Cardoso has already shown a willingness to involve younger members of his squad. Kutlwano Letlhaku was given an opportunity during last season’s Champions League final against AS FAR of Morocco, and the winger played his part as Sundowns secured their second continental title.

The club now face pressure to regain the Betway Premiership title from Orlando Pirates, while also attempting to win a domestic cup competition. That ambition could make it difficult for Sundowns’ younger players to feature regularly, although Cardoso says their development remains part of his plans.

“I told them after the preseason that if you focus on 2029, these players must be ready. He [Mokoena] is well accepted in the group, they recognise his capacity and when those connections exist it makes it easy.

“Other players recognise his quality and that is the most important thing. For me, it is to choose the moments for him to play and not put him under pressure.

“We don’t have to put pressure on the youngsters. We have to let them flow naturally. As much as he plays, he is going to feel more comfortable and get better.”

Sundowns begin their Betway Premiership campaign against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday. Cardoso’s side will be seeking a positive start against opponents who may feel they played a major role in Sundowns missing out on the league title last season.

TS Galaxy beat Sundowns 3-2 in the Brazilians’ final match of the previous campaign, a result that probably cost Cardoso’s team the championship.

With the season now beginning, Mokoena could receive further starts as the campaign develops. Cardoso’s approach, however, will be to introduce him when the timing is right rather than expose him to unnecessary pressure, giving the teenager further chances to demonstrate his ability.