Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Morena makes case, Matuludi was our asset, but… & more

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Morena makes case, Matuludi was our asset, but… & more

Latest Mamelodi Sundowns news in the last 24 hours, including Thapelo Morena making his case, Thabang Matuludi was an asset, Miguel asks for patience, and more.

Mamelodi Sundowns news as they break

Morena makes his case

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana utility star Thapelo Morena has reflected on overcoming injury woes and enjoying more game time this season in the colours of the Tshwane giants.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana utility star Thapelo Morena has reflected on overcoming injury woes and enjoying more game time this season in the colours of the Tshwane giants.

“To be honest, I’m very happy, and it’s one thing that every player would like to see. Coming back from a setback and getting minutes, and also helping the team, it’s one thing we all give to the team,” Morena opened up in a presser.

“As you asked me, for me, I’m always willing to give for this badge because this badge, whatever it has done for me, it’s something big and great.”

The Brazilians are preparing to host Angolan side Wiliete SC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. Cardoso’s side was held 0-0 by Wiliete in the away leg last weekend.

Thapelo Morena and Marcelo Allende
Thapelo Morena and Marcelo Allende of Mamelodi Sundowns, Image: Sundowns

That places the reigning African champions in a tricky spot as their visitors just need a scoring draw to advance to the group stage. With Sundowns facing the possibility of humiliation in front of their fans at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Morena has vowed that they will throw everything at Wiliete.

“For the game on Friday, we are going to put everything on the pitch. We are going to sweat blood, and no matter what, we are going to go through,” Morena declared.

Matuludi was our asset, but…

Polokwane City FC defender Tlou Nkwe has opened up about how seeing his best friend and former teammate Thabang Matuludi secure a dream move to Mamelodi Sundowns is driving his own ambitions.

Matuludi recently completed a high-profile transfer to the Chloorkop side on a three-year deal, ending a successful five-season stint with the Limpopo outfit, Polokwane City.

The Bafana Bafana defender had made a name for himself in the PSL at Polokwane City after joining the club from SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League side The Dolphins FC during the 2021/22 season.

“Yeah, we are really [close], he’s still my friend, we are best friends,” Nkwe told journalists..

“So, yeah, it really did affect us a bit, but so far we also have the right replacement for him. So, it’s just a matter of getting used to the playing style and, yeah, I think we’ll be fine going forward. He was a big asset for us, but right now we just have to adjust ourselves and say, ‘we can do this’.

“I’m very happy for him [Matuludi] because he is a great player, a good person. I actually draw motivation from him that things are actually possible with God and also maybe one day, you never know, God willing, I might also find myself in that stage.”

Thabang Matuludi
Thabang Matuludi of Bafana Bafana, Image: SAFA

With players like Oswin Appollis and Matuludi having made a name for themselves at PLK City, Nkwe acknowledges that the environment allows players to flourish.

“Polokwane City is a very good environment for growth, to learn; it actually gives us time to explore, you know, to even play our football,” he continued.  “So, I do believe at the right time, at the right moment, God willing though, and if the right offer [comes], I think the club will have to decide on that.”

Cardoso asks for patience with Maku

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has urged patience with new signing Lazola Maku, insisting the young midfielder will need time to settle at Chloorkop before fighting for a regular place in the team.

Maku completed a move to the Betway Premiership champions this week after arriving as a free agent, signing a long-term deal with Masandawana following his departure from Siwelele at the end of his contract in July.

The 19-year-old had explored opportunities abroad, undergoing trials at several clubs in Austria before returning to South Africa to captain the national U20 side to the COSAFA Cup title. His performances at youth international level have further strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s promising midfield talents, earning him an opportunity to continue his development at Sundowns.

However, breaking into Cardoso’s star-studded squad will be another challenge, with the Portuguese tactician highlighting the level of competition Maku faces in midfield. Cardoso pointed to Jayden Adams as an example of how even established young talents can require time to adapt to the demands and expectations at Chloorkop.

Miguel Cardoso
Coach Miguel Cardoso, Image – Mamelodi Sundowns

“It’s not easy to arrive at Sundowns and have a place automatically. Even Jayden had difficulties imposing himself immediately, so don’t put pressure on the boy, let him settle. He just arrived, but he’s been comfortable amongst us,” Cardoso stated.

“But there is a lot of competition there [in midfield]. He will have to prove a lot. Putting pressure on him or us doesn’t mean we don’t trust or recognise the quality, because we do, we trust and recognise the quality.

“But let the boy have the time to settle down and feel comfortable amongst us, to understand what we want from him.”

Wiliete arrive ahead of Sundowns test

Wiliete SC have touched down in South Africa with their sights firmly set on Mamelodi Sundowns as they prepare for a decisive CAF Champions League showdown in Tshwane.

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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