Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why Malibongwe Khoza featured in the DDC this past weekend.
Khoza has struggled for game time, particularly in the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League matches.
He last featured in the Nedbank Cup clash against Gomora United, where he played the full 90 minutes as the Brazilians secured a 2–1 victory to advance to the next round.
Many were surprised when Khoza turned out for the DDC side against Golden Arrows this past weekend.
Cardoso explained that there was a need to move him to the reserve team in order to gain valuable minutes, build match fitness, and ensure he is ready whenever they decide to include him in the first team lineup.
He further revealed that they were unable to arrange a friendly match for players who were not getting sufficient game time with the senior squad.
“People are complaining why Mali is playing in the iDiski team, and that coach doesn’t like him,” said Cardoso.
“No, it’s because he needs game time and for Mali, there’s still a window there where you can use him to get that condition.
“We could not organise a friendly match [for players that didn’t play], so we decided to take this opportunity so he could be ready whenever we decide to call him.
“So, there’s a lot of things to take in consideration.”
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