Will new Mamelodi Sundowns signing make his debut against Marumo Gallants? Miguel Cardoso speaks on ex-Kaizer Chiefs reserve team star's readiness

Mamelodi Sundowns signed Katlego Ntsabeleng on loan from Major League Soccer side Dallas FC at the end of August.

The midfielder was Masandawana's second signing of the season and has been working to make his debut for the Brazilians, who are bidding for a record-extending eighth Premier Soccer League title. 

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up on Ntsabeleng's readiness to start playing competitive football as the Tshwane giants prepare to visit Marumo Gallants for a league match on Wednesday. 

"Tsiki is being integrated. We expect [that] as quickly as possible, he can give a contribution to the team. But this is work that we need to do," said Cardoso as per Soccer Laduma.
"What we expect is a midfielder with high rotation and an offensive-minded midfielder. He can play in different positions. He can be one of the double pivots, he can be a number 10, he can play in the pockets, a winger playing inside and not on the lines for sure.
"So, he is a player who can play with a lot of versatility, mostly on the right, in the centre. He is a player with high intensity, but he is a player we are developing.  First thing we need to do when a player comes to a new club is how we play, what we want from you, so that we find a connection, and that is being done," the Portuguese tactician added. 

"At the same time, it's important to know that Tsiki was not playing regularly, so we are lifting his condition levels so that he can help the team.
"He has worked very hard since he came, and on last weekend we had a chance to play a friendly match where he makes 45 minutes. And before that in another one where he played 25 [minutes]. We think he is approaching a moment where he can give his best for the team."

The departure of the likes of Lebohang, Maboe, Neo Maema, Thembinkosi Lorch and Matias Esquivel created space for Ntsabeleng to be signed by Masandawana. 

But for someone who is versatile on he will be facing competition for game time players who include captain Themba Zwane, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams and Sphelele Mkhulise.  

That provides a huge test for him to improve on his game and turn himself into a regular starter. 

The Brazilians will be at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium to tackle Marumo Gallants on Wednesday.

It is to be seen if Ntsabeleng will be handed some playing minutes by Cardoso.