Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed the ongoing situations concerning key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile, and Khuliso Mudau at the club.
The trio were the notable absentees from Sundowns’ matchday squad that claimed a 4-0 win over Richards Bay FC in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Masandawana produced a dominant display against Richards Bay after finding the back of the net through a brace from Iqraam Rayners, a brilliant strike by Siyabonga Mabena, and an own goal from Simphiwe Mcineka.
The Brazilians secured a place in the semi-final of the MTN8, where they’ll face Orlando Pirates over two legs on dates yet to be confirmed by the PSL. Meanwhile, the other semi-final clash will be contested by Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC.
Despite hammering the Natal Rich Boys, Sundowns missed the services of key players, Shalulile, Mudau, and Ribeiro. Their absence raised questions following widespread rumours on the future of the three first-team stars.
Ribeiro, who recently won the Betway Premiership top goal-scorer award, Goal of the Season, Player’s Player of the Season, and the Footballer of the Season accolades, has been linked with a transfer to Qatar SC of Qatar and Fluminense in his home country, Brazil.
On the other hand, Shalulile is reportedly in talks to join Esperance while Mudau is yet to agree on a new deal with Downs.
WHAT MIGUEL CARDOSO SAID ABOUT RIBEIRO, SHALULILE, AND MUDAU
Asked about the absence of the three key players, Cardoso took the cautious approach and revealed that the club will make public announcements when the time is right.
“All those things are being sorted out by the club and I’m sure they will be public in proper time,” Cardoso said at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
“I understand what’s happening with Lucas, Peter, or Thapelo Morena, who was not here today [Sunday] because he had a small injury. But as a coach, I would want to have the team as complete as possible, and all coaches want to receive reinforcements for the new season as quickly as possible.
“So it’s not where we are, but it doesn’t mean we can’t cope with our responsibilities. As a coach, I have to work on solutions rather than problems.
“It’s obvious that we would have loved to start the season where we ended with all the players, but no one should think that Mamelodi Sundowns will be at a level that it shouldn’t be in. I’m sure the people in charge will take responsibility to organise the issues in a proper time.”
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