Cardoso Links Ndamane’s Mistakes to Fatigue Ahead of CAF Final

Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach Miguel Cardoso has recognized that center-back Khulumane Ndamane is dealing with fatigue due to a demanding schedule and the pressure he’s under, especially following his crucial error in Saturday’s game against Siwelele at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Ndamane, who joined Sundowns from TS Galaxy during the January transfer window, made a mistake that allowed Siwelele to score their first goal, despite Sundowns having taken a strong 3-0 lead within the first 30 minutes.

His careless back pass was intercepted by Siphesihle Jeza, who assisted Lungu in scoring. Lungu later completed a hat-trick during the match.

Similarly, Brayan Leon also achieved a hat-trick — his first in the PSL — as Sundowns secured a thrilling 7-4 win.

This incident marked Ndamane’s second major error in recent games, following a late penalty he conceded in Sundowns’ 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The situation has been worsened by the absence of Keanu Cupido, who sustained a serious injury in the recent 1-1 match against Kaizer Chiefs.

This leaves Cardoso with limited options in defense as they prepare for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against FAR Rabat at Loftus next weekend.

“Yes, it’s obvious that he’s fatigued; that’s quite clear. His responsiveness and agility have decreased — he’s tired, which is a reality,” commented Cardoso.

“Nevertheless, he remains our only left-footed center-back. We chose to play him again today [Saturday], but it’s apparent that he’s feeling the weight — both physically and mentally.

“His ability to make tactical or technical decisions sometimes arrives too late. For example, today he missed a pass leading to the first goal because of a delay in his decision-making.

“He could have acted more swiftly, but that may stem from cumulative fatigue.

“I need to consider this, especially with our upcoming challenges. We’ll reassess the situation.

“As you might be aware, we recently lost Keanu [Cupido], and Mothobi Mvala isn’t match-ready yet, though we trust Kegan Johannes.

“Today [Saturday], I intended to give him some playing time, I admit. He wasn’t planned to start, but I aimed to get him on the field. He didn’t start because, as you know, Grant [Kekana] had been sidelined for several matches and is suspended for the CAF Champions League.”

Sundowns will conclude their Betway Premiership season — with the title chase no longer entirely in their hands — against Ndamane’s former club Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

“I had fully intended to use Kegan, and I even told him to prepare,” Cardoso added.

“However, I noticed Aubrey was struggling, and I decided it was better to keep him in the game to bolster that left flank.

“Unfortunately, we still conceded goals.”