Latest on Mokoena, Aubaas & Modiba ahead of MTN8 final against Pirates

Published on by

Latest on Mokoena, Aubaas & Modiba ahead of MTN8 final against Pirates
Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas of Bafana Bafana, Image: Courtesy

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has updated on the availability of Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Aubrey Modiba ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.

The trio was injured in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers which was a massive blow for Masandawana who are aiming at beating the Soweto giants. Bucs have won the last four editions and will be aiming at making it four in a row.

Aubaas, Mokoena and Modiba have been key for the Brazilians for a couple of seasons, and will definitely be key as Masandawana face the Buccaneers at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

What is the latest on the injured trio?

“What is important to know is, and I said it from the first day, and I will say it again, the players when they go for the national team, they are national team players,” the former Esperance coach said in a presser.

Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns
Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns

“So, we are completely aligned with that, and happy that the boys were there and performed well. Obviously, it’s important that you understand that we will not risk anything on any player. We have many, many, many challenges ahead, and today we’re going to see better how is the condition of the players. Obviously, yesterday they arrived early in the morning, and we assessed them during the day.

“It’s the first contact with the players that the doctors had. Obviously, I had the report yesterday. Let’s wait today see how they react to our first intent of evaluation but mostly put some work with them and from there, we will move,” Cardoso added.

Will Cardoso play on Saturday?

Cardoso has further explained whether the players will be involved this weekend against Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men.

Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns – Image: Sundowns

“What is 100% sure is that we cannot risk anything on players, considering that this match on the weekend is very important. But on Tuesday there’s another one, there’s a qualifying round for the Champions League, there’s championship matches in meanwhile, and then we have also the Super Cup.

“So, losing one player for five matches in a club like ours is dramatic. So, we will have to see if they are fully recovered or just on those conditions, they will be able to play,” he concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

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.

You May Also Like