Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso warned against playing Malibongwe Khoza after error-ridden performance against Magesi FC - 'The boy is lazy; he’s too casual'

Mamelodi Sundowns extended their lead at the top of the league with a comeback victory over Magesi. The Brazilians trailed 1-0 after Wonderboy Makhubu's goal but turned the game around with strikes from Lucas Ribeiro and Tashreeq Matthews.

This win served as sweet revenge after their earlier loss to Magesi. Former Kaizer Chiefs player and now-analyst Junior Khanye shared his views on 20-year-old Malibongwe Khoza. While Khoza has impressed since his promotion under Manqoba Mngqithi, Khanye expressed doubts about the youngster’s current readiness in Sundowns' competitive setup.

He acknowledged Khoza's potential but raised concerns about his defensive discipline and effort.

“There’s no way, Lebusa. There are better defenders. I know Mvala is injured, and De Reuck—there’s no way De Reuck and Lebusa can sit outside and watch him play," said Khanye on iDiski TV.

"They can’t. The boy is lazy. I think he’s a central midfielder, maybe a holding number six. He’s too casual. When you lose the ball playing as a center back, you only fetch it from the net."

At just 20 years old, Malibongwe Khoza has stepped into a massive role, representing one of Africa's top clubs in the Caf Champions League and the domestic league. His composure and passing accuracy highlight his potential, but experience is key for the youngster to develop further.

Playing alongside South Africa’s best defenders will offer guidance and accelerate his growth. While Khanye pointed out his flaws, Khoza is still learning the ropes in one of the most challenging environments. With time and mentorship, he has the tools to shine both for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana.

Sundowns will shift their focus to the Nedbank Cup, where they face Sibanye Golden Stars. The competition represents a chance for Sundowns to claim domestic silverware in a season where league success has been their primary achievement.

With their last cup triumph some time ago, they are eager to add another trophy to their cabinet. Miguel Cardoso is likely to use the game to rotate his squad and give players like Khoza more opportunities. Winning the match will be crucial to keeping the fans and management satisfied with their overall performance.