Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has made an admission about Teboho Mokoena’s early season struggles, explaining what was the reason behind it.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder came off the bench and scored a brace to help the Brazilians pick up maximum points with a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.
Mokoena had started on the bench with Cardoso resting him ahead of the CAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Stade Malien away on Sunday.
Cardoso said Mokoena was struggling somewhat early in the season due to fatigue he had accumulated from the previous campaign.
He praised him for his character to rise again as he seems to have regain his form, helping the team compete in the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League.
“I love the players like [Mokoena], they know they have to perform all the time,” said Cardoso.
“And I think this season, Teboho had a moment where he was tired that came from the accumulation of fatigue even from the previous [season].
“And it was not an easy start for him. We spoke a lot about it, but when you have character, you can come back.
“We’re speaking about players who have character and we know the dynamics and he came back in a good level.”
“What you expect when you bring Teboho on the pitch is that he brings the right players energy.
“That’s what I ask from him, take the leadership inside, that’s what we also ask from Themba when the team is in this moment [struggling], you bring brains and manage the game, settle down the game, calm the team so they team can have someone who connects everyone, so the team can cool down.”
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