Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why his key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile, and Khuliso Mudau were missing this past weekend.
The trio were absent during the team’s 4-0 win over Richards Bay FC in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
While Ribeiro trained with the squad last week, there has been speculations over Mudau and Shalilule’s futures at the club. The latter is linked with a high-profile move to Esperance
“All those things are being sorted out by the club and I’m sure they will be public in proper time,” Cardoso said on Sunday.
“I understand what’s happening with Lucas, Peter, or Thapelo Morena, who was not here today [Sunday] because he had a small injury. But as a coach, I would want to have the team as complete as possible, and all coaches want to receive reinforcements for the new season as quickly as possible.
Shalulile and Mudau missing in action
“So it’s not where we are, but it doesn’t mean we can’t cope with our responsibilities. As a coach, I have to work on solutions rather than problems.
“It’s obvious that we would have loved to start the season where we ended with all the players, but no one should think that Mamelodi Sundowns will be at a level that it shouldn’t be in. I’m sure the people in charge will take responsibility to organise the issues in a proper time,” Cardoso added.
Mudau is yet to agree on a new deal with Masandawana while Shalulile is looking for an exit after limited gametime last season under Cardoso.
Will Downs lose these key players?
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