Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has weighed in on the futures of Lucas Ribeiro, Khuliso Mudau, Peter Shalulile, Thapelo Morena and Thembinkosi Lorch whose stay at the club is uncertain.
As Sundowns start their season, there are concerns that three key players in Ribeiro, Mudau and Shalulile might not be at the club at the close of the transfer window with all of them either attracting interest from elsewhere or coming to the end of their contracts.
Ribeiro, the newly-crowned PSL Player of the Season, is wanted by Brazilian outfit Fluminense and Qatar SC, who are reported to have sent in their bids, while the others have their contract situations unresolved and Cardoso was asked what is the true picture of the situation.
Cardoso addresses future of key players
“All those issues are being solved by the club and they will be public in the proper time. I will not be here, as you might understand, to start discussing what’s happening with Lucas or Mudau or Peter or Thapelo Morena, that also was not here today,” Cardoso told the media during his post-match press conference after watching his side beat Richards Bay 4-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final.
“But obviously, for the coach, a coach always wants to have the team as complete as possible. All coaches want to receive the reinforcements for the new season as quickly as possible. So, it’s not where we are, but it doesn’t mean that we are not able to cope with our responsibilities.”
The Sundowns coach then gave a hint at what could be going on when he said Morena is out with an injury but did not clarify anything regarding the others.
What is the true picture of Sundowns’ stars?
“I have to work on solutions rather than on problems. Otherwise, if I hang on to the problems, for sure, I will not be able to also perform myself in the proper way and give the stimulus to the boys so that we can move forward. Thapelo basically had a small injury, nothing big. But he had a small injury,” he added.
“Regarding Lorch, like Lucas, like Peter, like Mudau, I will not be discussing here. Lorch is the situation that is coming from the past and will also be addressed by the club at the proper time, and you will have the information and will be made to the public for sure.”
From the players mentioned, Lorch is certain to leave Sundowns as he is surplus to requirements after his loan at Wydad Athletic Club with the player and club finding the best way to part ways.
However, Cardoso would not like to lose Ribeiro and Mudau who are key players for his team, but there is a feeling that Shalulile can be allowed to leave after he fell down the pecking order last season.
