Cardoso Delivers Positive Mokoena Injury Update as Sundowns Prepare for Crucial CAF Champions League Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns have received encouraging news regarding midfielder Teboho Mokoena, with head coach Miguel Cardoso expressing confidence that the Bafana Bafana international will recover quickly from his injury setback.

Mokoena was notably absent from first-team training on Wednesday morning, raising concerns about his availability for Sundowns' CAF Champions League second preliminary round return-leg encounter against Angola's Wiliete. The two teams are scheduled to meet at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night, with the Brazilians determined to progress to the next stage of the competition.

However, Cardoso has moved to clarify the situation, explaining that Mokoena is experiencing the same injury he sustained while representing Bafana Bafana during the previous international break.

According to the Sundowns coach, the midfielder suffered a stretch to the inner ligament of his leg following contact with an opponent. Although the incident was not intentional, it left the influential midfielder needing further attention.

"The injury for Teboho is not a new one, it's the same," Cardoso explained, offering supporters reassurance about the nature of the problem.

He added that the injury was not considered serious and expressed optimism that Mokoena would overcome it very quickly.

While the update provides encouragement, Sundowns will still need to assess the midfielder's condition before determining whether he can feature against Wiliete. His availability could be important as the Pretoria-based giants continue balancing their domestic responsibilities with their continental ambitions.

Should Mokoena be unavailable, Cardoso believes his squad possesses sufficient quality to manage the situation. Players such as Thabo Cele, Marcelo Allende, Sphelele Mkhulise, Gomolemo Kekana, Katlego Ntsabeleng and new signing Lazola Maku provide the coach with alternative options in midfield.

Bathusi Aubaas, however, remains sidelined after also picking up an injury while on international duty.

Cardoso stressed that the absence of key players should not undermine confidence in the rest of the squad, insisting that every member has a role to play when opportunities arise.

The coach also acknowledged the number of important players currently unavailable, including Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido, Grant Kekana, Ronwen Williams and Mokoena, among others.

Despite these setbacks, Cardoso maintained that Sundowns must trust the depth of their squad and allow other players to step forward when required.

For the Brazilians, Friday's encounter presents an important opportunity to strengthen their continental campaign. With Mokoena's condition still requiring assessment, Sundowns will hope the midfielder recovers quickly while preparing alternative solutions should he miss the match.

The immediate priority remains securing progress in the Champions League, with Cardoso confident that his available players can deliver the required performance.

Source https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2113620295428792584