Miguel Cardoso gives Mokoena injury update, addresses Williams absence

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Cardoso provides latest on Mokoena's injury and Williams' exclusion

Africa Today at 04:27

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Miguel Cardoso gives Mokoena injury update, addresses Williams absence

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18.10.26 FT CAF Champions League

Wiliete Benguela

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has provided an injury update on Teboho Mokoena and shed light on the absence of Ronwen Williams in their goalless draw with Wiliete Benguela over the weekend.

The 29-year-old midfielder was stretchered off in the first half after picking up an injury, paving way for Bathusi Aubaas in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash against the Angolan side.

Notably, this is the third time Mokoena sustains an injury this season, with his first setback dating back to the MTN8 quarterfinal against Polokwane City, before suffering the same fate with Bafana Bafana in the FIFA international break.

Having had to do without the reliable services of the midfield dynamo for a large chunk of the match, in addition to Williams, Cardoso reckons that his team was pragmatic, owing to the lack of influential figures on the pitch.

“Obviously, the maturity from Ronwen Williams, the maturity of Teboho Mokoena is important to sustain the team. This team also has several young players,” said the Downs mentor.

"A first start of the campaign after being champions, so it's always a stress to represent it in the best way. We felt that there was a little bit of stress here and there. We were a little bit afraid to deal with those counter-attacks.

The Portuguese tactician says Mokoena aggravated the ligament injury he sustained on national duty, while revealing that Williams was omitted from the matchday squad as a precaution after a knock in training.

“Teboho, it's a little bit of a touch on that ligament that was hurt on the national team. We don't know the extent of the injury at the moment, but he could not continue in the match,” Cardoso added.

"So, let's hope it's not a big thing and we can recover him, he will be submitted to the exams. And Ronwen should not be a big thing, he had a small contact in a training session, he got some pain.

"It was important to keep him safe from something that could be more aggressive or that will put him in danger for the future, but we expect to recover him promptly.

Whether Mokoena will be available for selection for the crucial return leg against Wiliete at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday remains to be seen, with a lucrative spot in the group stage on the line.

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.