‘He’s an asset’: Cardoso reflects on Malibongwe Khoza’s development
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has reflected on starlet Malibongwe Khoza’s development stating that he’s an asset.
Khoza, who is currently playing his maiden season in professional football, has been impressive for Masandawana. He was promoted to the first team following great displays with the reserve side in the DStv Diski Challenge.
Halfway through the Betway Premiership campaign, the talented centre-back has made 20 appearances in all competitions and scored two goals. His efforts at the back have helped the Tshwane giants keep 13 clean sheets.
In the Masandawana team, the 20-year-old competes with experienced defenders for a place in the starting line-up. These include Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Mosa Lebusa, Lucas Suarez and Keanu Cupido.
CARDOSO IMPRESSED BY MALIBONGWE KHOZA’S DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS IN HIS DEBUT SEASON
Speaking at the Nedbank Cup press conference on Thursday at the Nedbank Headquarters in Sandton, the Portuguese mentor is impressed with Khoza’s development and progress. The coach is also aware of the stiff competition in the centre-back position, however, Khoza will get his fair chance. At the moment, the priority is to continue helping Khoza so he improves and becomes stronger.
“Mali [Malibongwe Khoza] has been making a wonderful season, we should remember this is his first full professional season. He became very important in the fact that he showed level when he was called [to the senior team],” said Cardoso.
“We feel very happy with his development, we trust him so much, he’s an asset. We know that he’s an asset that we should protect in certain moments. That’s a fact of what happens, but at the same time, it’s clear that competition is very tight at that position.
“Mothobi [Mvala] will be joining the group [from injury], so he will increase the level of competition. It’s not Mali who stayed out [missed matches], Mosa [Lebusa] has played several games and did well. Basically, we’re happy with the performance.
“For sure, Mali will come back on the team, naturally with the level of rotation that we need to apply so we can be competitive all the time. I will repeat, we’re very happy with him, he’s an asset, very important not only for the club but also for South African football.
“We will continue to work hard with him, I think he can be even more strong in the future. That will come from the learning process he gets from the coaches and teammates. He has a high level of concurrence and pledges to work hard, he has very good examples on his side to play in that position, and he will get very strong.”
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