Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has shared his thoughts on midfielder Thabo Cele following his recent appearances for the club.
Cele joined the Brazilians as a free agent during the recent transfer window after ending his stay at Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the current campaign.
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The 29-year-old has been included in the matchday squad for three games. He was an unused substitute in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup clash against Al Ahli before making his debut in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates. He subsequently featured in the Betway Premiership encounter against Richards Bay.
Cardoso admitted that Cele was introduced in a demanding match during the MTN8 final but believes the midfielder delivered an even better performance against the Natal Rich Boyz.
“Yeah, he came and he profited a little bit from also the fact that Bathusi Aubaas got injured, the fact that also Gomolemo Kekana got injured and we have also Pitso [Sphelele Mkhulise] to bring in this period with us,” said Cardoso.
“Look, Thabo and also as I said the other names I stated are all players that can play on this team any moment. They are the players that we trust, players that work very well, players that are very serious.”
‘He’s not clearly a six, but…’
The Portuguese tactician is optimistic about Cele’s contribution to the team, having been impressed by what he has seen from the midfielder so far.
“Obviously when we bring a player in the club, we also try to give him a momentum of belief because it’s true, it’s reasonable, it’s acceptable and we want him to feel that so that he quickly settles in the group. And after that, I think today [against Richards Bay] he entered more consistently on the match rather than on the cup.
“The cup was, he entered in a moment again the match was very broken because we were seeking a second goal out of those imbalances that the Pirates was having in the pitch because they were seeking the equaliser.
“So, we also went in counter-attacks several times that broke a little bit the organisation and the midfielders usually are the ones that struggle more. But I think today he entered quite consistently on the match.
“Obviously when he doesn’t play with a player that is more a six, he struggles more. He’s not clearly a six, but I think he will be a player to help us in the future even more.”