Mamelodi Sundowns received a welcome boost regarding the fitness of star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The South Africa captain missed the club’s recent CAF Champions League journey to Angola. However, head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed the issue is minor.
Sundowns played out a goalless draw against Wiliete SC in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie. Williams was absent from the matchday squad entirely. Team doctor Dr. Carl Kgabo Tabane had noted before kick-off that both Williams and Aubrey Modiba were sidelined with short-term fitness concerns.
Cardoso provided further details on what kept the first-choice goalkeeper out of action.
“Ronwen should not be a big thing. He had a small contact yesterday in the training session, got some pain,” Cardoso explained via club media. “It was important to keep him safe from something that could come that would be, let’s say, more aggressive or that would put him in danger for the future.”
The coach added that the technical staff expects to recover the player promptly.
Broader Context for Sundowns
For Mamelodi Sundowns FC, cautious squad management is essential at this stage of the season. Squad depth is vital when balancing domestic ambitions with demanding continental travels. Precautionary decisions prevent minor knocks from turning into long-term setbacks.
The tie remains open after the 0-0 result in Angola. The return leg takes place in Tshwane this Friday. Sundowns need a decisive win at home to secure their passage to the next stage of the CAF Champions League. Having key figures available will be crucial to their tactical setup.
Williams could return to contention for the decisive home leg if his recovery progresses as planned. For more football updates and tactical breakdowns, check out our latest sports betting analysis.
Source: Information reported by kickoff.com