I don’t like Khoza?! Sundowns coach Cardoso clarifies Malibongwe’s DDC outing against Arrows

Bafana Bafana international Malibongwe Khoza recently featured for Mamelodi Sundowns’ junior team in the DDC assignment against Golden Arrows.

It was a surprise for many, considering his quality and the games he had initially played for both the national team and Masandawana. As a matter of fact, the versatile defender played the entire game against Gomora in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16.

There have been speculations that coach Miguel Cardoso doesn’t like the 21-year-old. While some opine the pressure faced by the tactician has seen him resort to field players who can give him results consistently.

However, that is not the case, according to the former Esperance tactician. He insists it was meant to ensure the centre-back has some minutes to keep fit ahead of forthcoming duties.

Why was Khoza featuring for the DDC outfit?

“People are complaining why Mali is playing in the iDiski team, and that coach doesn’t like him. No, it’s because he needs game time and for Mali, there’s still a window there where you can use him to get that condition,” he told the media in a presser.

“We could not organise a friendly match [for players that didn’t play], so we decided to take this opportunity so he could be ready whenever we decide to call him. So, there’s a lot of things to take in consideration,” Miguel added.

Sundowns are riding high in confidence thanks to their recent outings in the CAF Champions League and the Premier Soccer League. Masandawana booked their place in the quarter final in the CAF inter-club competition before reducing the gap between them and Orlando Pirates to just three points.

On Saturday, they play TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 fixture, hoping to seal their place in the last eight of the annual competition.