Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has broken his silence regarding Tsiki Ntsabeleng’s limited role. The 27-year-old playmaker joined the Betway Premiership champions on loan from FC Dallas earlier this season.
Since his arrival from the MLS, Ntsabeleng has struggled to secure a regular spot. He has made only four appearances across all competitions. His most recent outing was in the Nedbank Cup against Gomora United. Cardoso withdrew him at half-time during that 2-1 victory.
Competition in a Star-Studded Squad
Cardoso addressed the situation with high objectivity. He pointed to the immense depth of the Sundowns roster. Managing a squad of 38 players presents unique challenges for any coach.
According to Cardoso, the issue is not Ntsabeleng’s quality. He described the player as a “very professional” individual. The coach noted that Ntsabeleng had some initial difficulties adapting to the team’s tactical requirements. However, he praised the player’s recent pre-season performance.
A Tactical and Numerical Challenge
In a wider context, Ntsabeleng’s situation reflects the reality of elite African football. When a club possesses such a large, high-quality squad, talented players will inevitably miss out.
Cardoso emphasized that the lack of minutes is a result of positional competition. There are several players fighting for the same roles. The coach made it clear that he still values Ntsabeleng’s ability. He even encouraged the player to keep his head high after the recent substitution.
Looking Ahead
The Brazilians must now shift their focus to continental duties. Sundowns face FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League this Sunday. This match in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be another test of the squad’s depth.
As reported by foot-africa.com, the coaching staff continues to balance individual development with the team’s immediate goals.
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