What Miguel Cardoso makes of Thabo Cele

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has given his verdict on midfielder Thabo Cele, who recently joined the club on a free transfer after parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs.

The 29-year-old dynamo made his debut for the Brazilians in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, before registering his second appearance in the win over Richards Bay in the league on Tuesday.

He has already lifted two trophies in the form of the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and the MTN8 since joining the African champions, who are competing on all fronts this season.

While Cele is yet to start a match in Sundowns colours, Cardoso says the player has benefited from the injuries sustained by a host of figures in midfield, including Bafana international Bathusi Aubaas.

“He came and he profited a little bit also from the fact that Bathusi Aubaas got injured, the fact that Gomolemo Kekana got injured and we have also Pitso [Sphelele Mkhulise] to bring in this period with us,” said the Downs mentor.

"Thabo and the other names I stated are all players that can play in this team any moment, players that we trust, players that we work very well [with], players that are very serious.

"Obviously, when we bring a player to the club we also try to give him a momentum of belief because it's true, it's reasonable, it's acceptable and we want them to feel that so that he quickly settles in the group.

The Portuguese tactician acknowledges that Cele made his debut in a moment where Sundowns had lost their shape against Pirates, making it difficult to assert himself, and believes he is not an anchorman, contrary to popular belief.

“I think today he entered consistently in the match rather than on the cup. The cup he entered in a moment where the match was very broken because we were seeking a second goal out of those imbalances that Pirates was having on the pitch, because they were seeking an equalizer,” Cardoso added.

"So, we also went in counter-attack several times which broke a little bit the organization and the midfielders usually are the ones that struggle more. But I think he entered quite consistently on the match.

"Obviously, when he doesn't play with the player that is more a six he struggles more. He's not clearly a six, but I think he will be a player to help us in the future even more, like the names I said.

Sundowns, meanwhile, are set to tackle Girabola log leaders Wiliete SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash in Angola on Sunday.

Hlayisani Magoro

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

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