Hlompo Kekana lends support to Cardoso’s first-half sub of Mkhulise

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Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompo Kekana has back Miguel Cardoso’s decision to sub Siphelele Mkhulise off during their match against Golden Arrows.

A tactical gamble by Cardoso at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium changed the game. 

Mkhulise made way for Shalulile, a move that sparked a flurry of goals. Shalulile won a penalty, coolly dispatched by Lucas Ribeiro Costa, and then added two of his own. 

Teboho Mokoena completed the scoring with a fourth goal. “I loved it,” said Kekana, praising Cardoso's bold decision.

KEKANA ON MKHULISE FIRST HALF SUB – ‘I LOVED IT’

“I saw the reaction when the coach made that sub of Mkhulise and I loved it. I love it because he put more firepower up front because he saw that we don't have a problem with combination play,” Kekana said on the Pitchside Podcast.

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“He saw it and I was like: ‘This is coaching'. I love it when I come to the stadium and watch teams that have solutions for other problems. I was happy because we didn't have any problem of retaining possession. Even when we lost it, we had players around to win it back.

“When they put Peter, it's a different story because he's a different character. I was happy to see that reaction and a positional shift for Ribeiro, (Kobamelo) Kodisang, (Iqraam) Rayners.

Selflessness. That reaction, 20 minutes towards half-time, players realised that actually we dragged the match too long, we need to get a goal.

“In a space of two minutes, there was an offside that I don't think was offside. When we got a penalty, it was a (culmination) of those attacks into the box.” 

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.