Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed the reduction in the number of his players selected for Bafana Bafana ahead of the upcoming 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco. This comes after the reigning champions had a dominant eight players representing the nation at the last AFCON, a figure now starkly contrasted by rivals Orlando Pirates, who boast nine players in the current squad.
In fact, during the opening match of the previous AFCON, Sundowns had seven starters against Mali. However, this time, they have five players travelling with coach Hugo Broos. Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas are the five. Meanwhile, Themba Zwane, Grant Kekana, Malibongwe Khoza, Thapelo Morena and Iqraam Rayners didn’t make the cut.
Cardoso has attributed the drop to a spate of injuries that sidelined several key players who are regulars in the national setup.
CARDOSO EXPLAINS THE INJURY IMPACT
Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC, Cardoso expressed his full support for Bafana Bafana while explaining the difficult circumstances his squad has faced in recent months.
“I would like to give my best wishes to the national team of South Africa,” said Cardoso. “I would like that, especially the Masandawana family, could understand that, unfortunately, in the last two or three months, we had many players who had injuries. [It was] long-term injuries.”
The Portuguese mentor specifically named influential figures Zwane, Morena, Kekana, Basadien and Khoza who missed out due to fitness issues. The Portuguese mentor made it clear that the injuries likely prevented these established internationals from even being considered by the national team coach, Broos.
“These are players that obviously were national team players, and probably because of that [injuries], they were not even able to be part of the thoughts of our national team coach.”
Despite the reduced contingent, Cardoso emphasised Sundowns’ unwavering support for the national team’s campaign in Morocco.
“But we, Mamelodi Sundowns, we coaches of my Mamelodi Sundowns, now speak in the name of the players of Mamelodi Sundowns, we respect, we totally support, and we are on the side of the national team of South Africa. We wish the team the best on the AFCON…”
He concluded his statement by wishing South Africans a happy festive season.
“…and I also wish to all South African general a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”
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