Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has insisted there was no underlying issue with defender Fawaaz Basadien, despite withdrawing him at half-time during their victory over Orbit College FC.
Sundowns reclaimed top spot, moving three points clear of rivals Orlando Pirates after a 2-0 victory against the Betway Premiership newcomers at the Olympic Park Stadium in Rustenburg on Tuesday night.
Bafana Bafana international, Basadien, who has struggled to cement a regular starting position in the team, was named in the starting eleven on the night. However, he only lasted for 45 minutes and was replaced by Aubrey Modiba.
Speaking after the match, Cardoso clarified that the substitution had nothing to do with Basadien’s performance but was more tactical.
WHY MIGUEL CARDOSO REPLACED FAWAAZ BASADIEN AGAINST ORBIT COLLEGE
“Even Fawaaz [Basadien], whom I took off at halftime, he was playing okay,” Cardoso told journalists. “There were no issues with his performance. It was basically an intention to bring extra aggression to Orbit so that we could try to go for a goal.
“So I am happy at the moment. But we put our foot on the ground so that we can look for the next challenge and focus on it as soon as possible.”
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS COACH PLEASED WITH THE FOCUS ON THE PLAYERS
Cardoso expressed satisfaction with his side’s current form, noting they are in a “good space” to compete. The defending champions hold a narrow one-goal advantage in goal difference over rivals Pirates, with 10 matches remaining.
Masandawana now shift their focus to the CAF Champions League for Friday’s quarter-final first leg against Malian outfit Stade Malien.
“The team is showing the values we want them to have in the locker room. We understand how to be together. They are committed, and all the players are in a good space for performance, and that gives us confidence,” added Cardoso.
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