Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso explains Malibongwe Khoza’s recent absence - 'We will work hard to make him stronger'

After an impressive start in the elite league, where he even benched some Bafana Bafana internationals, Malibongwe Khoza has found himself on the bench in the past two games.

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a convincing win against Orlando Pirates but suffered a setback against TS Galaxy, with Khoza missing from the starting lineup in both fixtures.

The highly-rated youngster is seen as a future star for both club and country.

Miguel Cardoso addressed his recent absence during a media briefing.

The coach emphasized Khoza’s importance to the team and the need to manage his development carefully.

His exclusion was not due to poor form but rather squad rotation and tactical considerations.

“Mali has been making a wonderful season, it’s his first professional season and he’s become very important, due to the fact he showed the level when he was called, so we feel very happy about his development, we trust him so much,” Cardoso said as reported by iDiski Times.

“We know he’s an asset, but he’s also an asset we should protect in certain moments, which is what happened [not playing against Pirates and Galaxy], but at the same time, it’s clear competition is very tight in that position.

“As I said, in a month Mothobi will be rejoining the group and he will increase the level of that competition, not only Mali stood out, Mosa also played several games with us very well – we’re happy with the performances.”

“For sure, Mali will get back into the team, but he will come back naturally with the level of rotation we will need to apply so that we can compete all the time, we’re happy with him, he will be an asset, and very important, not only for the club but for South African football,” he continued.

“We will work hard with him to make him even stronger, he can be stronger in the future, that will come with learning from the coaches but also from teammates, he has very good examples about what it is to play that position, he will become very strong and an important player – for sure.”

The 20-year-old has displayed great composure as a ball-playing centre-back, proving he has the potential to become a key figure for Sundowns.

He is surrounded by experienced defenders such as Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Mosa Lebusa, and Lucas Suarez, who can help shape his development.

While he competes with them for a spot, he also has the opportunity to learn from their experience.

His growth will be crucial in the long run, and Sundowns seem to have a long-term plan for his progression.

The youngster’s versatility and technical ability make him an exciting prospect for the future.

Sundowns will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat to TS Galaxy when they face Mpheni Home Defenders in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup.

The team needs a strong response to regain momentum in their cup campaign.

Cardoso may rotate his squad to ensure fresh legs for the encounter.

A convincing performance will be crucial to restoring confidence within the squad.