Miguel Cardoso sends clear message to new Mamelodi Sundowns signing Jayden Adams - 'We won't give gifts to anyone'

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has sent a firm message to the team's new recruit Jayden Adams, emphasizing that it will not be easy for him to secure a spot in the starting eleven.

The Bafana Bafana international completed his move to the Tshwane giants from Stellenbosch FC on a three-and-a-half-year contract on Saturday. 

While Masandawana supporters are still celebrating the acquisition of Adams, the club's coach Cardoso has clarified that the player will have to put in significant effort to play at Sundowns.

"We believe in our players and anyone who joins this group has to prove himself. It is for Jayden and anyone else, we won't give gifts to no one," Cardoso said when speaking to reporters.

"They will have to rise and show that they are better than all players and then we will see. So, Jayden and anyone joining the group must prove themselves to everyone.

"We are open to discussing and analysing performances daily and the players that perform better and the ones that will go on the pitch," he added.

"Anyway, we have a lot of competitions and we will give them a chance to adapt and take the best from them."

With only eight days left for the January transfer window to close, Sundowns have so far signed Adams and have also reportedly secured the signature of Argentine defender Lucas Suárez, who is yet to be officially announced.

The 23-year-old star will face fierce competition within Cardoso's team. He will be vying for a position with the likes of Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Sphelele Mkhulise.

Furthermore, Adams will need to put in considerable effort to secure a spot in the star-studded Masandawana team.

Adams will be looking forward to a prosperous journey with Sundowns as he follows in the footsteps of his former Stellenbosch teammate Iqraam Rayners, who joined the team during the recent winter transfer window.

The highly-rated midfielder might make his debut for Downs when they face off against Magesi FC in a PSL encounter on Wednesday.