Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso indicated that he will not take any chances with Bathusi Aubaas, Aubrey Modiba, and Teboho Mokoena if they are not in peak condition for the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
The trio sustained injuries while representing Bafana Bafana, creating uncertainty about their participation in the sold-out match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
When queried on their status, Cardoso expressed caution, noting that the club would evaluate the players before reaching a conclusion.
“What is important to know is, and I said it from the first day, and I will say it again, the players when they go for the national team, they are national team players,” said Cardoso.
“So, we are completely aligned with that, and happy that the boys were there and performed well. Obviously, it’s important that you understand that we will not risk anything on any player.”
Cardoso mentioned that the players returned to Sundowns only recently and have already undergone assessment by the medical staff.
“We have many, many, many challenges ahead, and today we’re going to see better how is the condition of the players. Obviously, yesterday they arrived early in the morning, and we assessed them during the day,” he added.
“It’s the first contact with the players that the doctors had. Obviously, I had the report yesterday. Let’s wait today see how they react to our first intent of evaluation but mostly put some work with them and from there, we will move.”
Cardoso acknowledged that while the final is significant, Sundowns’ busy schedule means he must prioritize player fitness.
“What is 100% sure is that we cannot risk anything on players, considering that this match on the weekend is very important.”
He also highlighted the upcoming Champions League, league fixtures, and the Super Cup as further justification for his careful strategy.
“But on Tuesday there’s another one, there’s a qualifying round for the Champions League, there’s championship matches in meanwhile, and then we have also the Super Cup.”
Cardoso stated that losing one of his key players for an extended duration would have a more severe impact than potentially sitting out one match.
“So, losing one player for five matches in a club like ours is dramatic,” he said.
The final verdict will rely entirely on the players’ recovery status, according to Cardoso.
“So, we will have to see if they are fully recovered or just on those conditions, they will be able to play.”
For the moment, Sundowns supporters will await news on whether Aubaas, Modiba, and Mokoena will be fit to participate against Pirates in what is expected to be a highly competitive MTN8 final.
