sportskeeda
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shown strong belief in Malibongwe Khoza’s capabilities, celebrating the young defender’s comeback after overcoming a tough phase to clinch the Man of the Match title in Wednesday’s encounter against Siwelele.
In the previous season, Khoza had a hard time finding his place on the field, despite being fit and available, as the 22-year-old was frequently left out of matchday squads and even spent time with the reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge.
This season, however, Khoza’s situation has changed for the better under Cardoso, who has given him more chances to display his skills. His impact was evident during the team’s 3-0 victory in the Betway Premiership against Siwelele at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, where he was recognized as Man of the Match.
Cardoso acknowledged the challenges Khoza faced last year but noted that these experiences contributed to his growth and maturity as a player.
“Let’s not forget that last year, Mali went through a phase where he nearly stopped playing and faded away,” Cardoso reflected.
“But he didn’t fade away. He was simply building the maturity needed to improve his game.
“There’s still room for Mali to grow. Khulumani Ndamane also possesses great potential for further development.
“Younger players have ample opportunities for growth, while even the more seasoned players continue to have the drive to improve.
“I’m truly happy to see him receiving the Man of the Match award. He completely deserves this recognition after the difficulties he faced last year.
“I distinctly remember seeing him in tears, trust me. I was there to witness his battles. However, we consistently encouraged him that opportunities would come, and that consistency would benefit him.
“He has started this season and preseason in outstanding form. There’s a palpable energy that shows he’s ready to make his mark.”
The Portuguese coach also praised Siyanda Ndlovu for his impressive performance against Siwelele, where he scored a goal and assisted another.
Cardoso elaborated that determining Ndlovu’s position is based on where he feels most effective within Sundowns’ tactical setup, rather than just his preferences.
“It’s not purely about where he wants to play; it’s about identifying where he can excel within our team’s structure,” he explained.
“We always ask: where do you think you can contribute the most? We need to ensure we don’t place a player in a position that undermines their confidence.
“For players to express themselves technically on the pitch, it’s crucial that they enjoy the game, especially at Sundowns. Our approach demands joy in football.”
“So the key question is: where do you feel you can add the most value? He indicated that he believes he can be effective on the right side.
“And I reminded him that coach Manqoba (Mngqithi) had previously highlighted his potential to operate as a number 10, where he certainly has the ability to contribute significantly.”
“He can create space but also thrives in tight situations; he performs even better in open spaces.”
“I fully agree with coach Manqoba’s assessment. He holds the versatility to adapt to various roles, and we will deploy him as necessary depending on the game’s demands.”
Both Khoza and Ndlovu will strive to build on their strong displays and keep impressing Cardoso as Sundowns gear up for their upcoming match in East London on Saturday.
The Brazilians will take on Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium, with both players eager to maintain their momentum and secure further chances in Cardoso’s selection.
