Sundowns hopeful Williams and Mokoena will be fit for Wiliete return

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expects goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to recover in time for Friday’s CAF Champions League return leg against Wiliete, while midfielder Teboho Mokoena faces further tests on an apparent injury.

Sundowns drew 0-0 with the Angolan side in Lubango at the weekend and will host the second leg at Loftus Versfeld.

Williams missed the opening match, while Mokoena was forced off during the game with what initially appeared to be a serious injury. Cardoso said the club’s medical team would assess Mokoena further before a clearer diagnosis could be made.

“The maturity of a Williams and a Mokoena is important to sustain this team, which also has several young players,” said Cardoso.

“We were afraid of conceding in the first leg and there were periods of stress in the game. At the moment we do not know the extent of Mokoena’s injury because tomorrow he’ll be submitted to examinations. As for Williams, we expect to recover him promptly.”

Ricardo Goss deputised in goal in Williams’ absence and kept a clean sheet, leaving Sundowns with a strong chance of progressing to the group stages on home soil.

Cardoso said Sundowns would nevertheless need to improve their performance in front of their supporters if they are to complete the job against Wiliete.