Miguel Cardoso gives injury update ahead of MTN8 final

Interview

Cardoso issues update on injuries

Africa Today at 07:53

Add Foot Africa on Google

Miguel Cardoso gives injury update ahead of MTN8 final

Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images

10.10.26 12:00 MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has provided an injury update ahead of the humdinger MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Brazilians head into the match sweating over the fitness of midfield general Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Aubrey Modiba, who were injured on national duty with Bafana Bafana during the FIFA International break.

Mokoena and Modiba were ruled out of the 2027 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Eritrea, while Aubaas lasted 12 minutes on the pitch after picking up an injury.

With the highly-anticipated clash looming, Cardoso insists he won't rush injured players back into action, and says the Bafana contingent have made good progress but are subject to a late fitness test.

“I will never put a player to play unless he's 100% fit, and yesterday we had the first evaluation on the players, they were seen by the doctors, today we'll have obviously a better opportunity to check them,” said the Downs mentor.

"I believe those cases will be until the last minute but as you understand we cannot risk, especially on muscle injuries like the ones Aubrey and Aubaas had.

"We cannot risk to put a player in case they're not ready - I'm not saying they're not ready because obviously there are signs that the evolution was pretty good, they were also not major injuries, especially for Aubrey.

"Teboho eventually also progressing but let's see those who will be [fit], as I said until the last minute decisions because we are not only thinking about this game but what impact we don't want this game to have on the season, and that's obviously where I have to stand to take my own decisions.

Sundowns will be desperate to have their key players back for the final as they look to lift their first domestic cup title since the 2021/22 campaign under the co-coaching of Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.