Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is navigating a precarious situation as he prepares for a crucial PSL clash against Kaizer Chiefs.
The highly anticipated match is set to take place in front of a sold-out crowd this Saturday. However, seven players from the Sundowns squad find themselves on the brink of suspension — a scenario that could significantly alter the dynamics of the game.
Among the players at risk of missing the showdown against Amakhosi are Marcelo Allende and Aubrey Modiba, both of whom are pivotal to Sundowns' tactics. They, along with Sphelele Mkhulise, Kegan Johannes, Asekho Tiwani, Mothobi Mvala, and Bathusi Aubaas, are currently on three yellow cards.
Should any of them receive another booking during the upcoming fixture against Sekhukhune United on Wednesday, their place in the high-stakes encounter against the Glamour Boys would be jeopardised.
Allende, in particular, is enjoying a rich vein of form, having scored once and provided two assists in his last four outings. His contributions have proved vital for Sundowns, making his potential absence against Chiefs especially concerning for the coaching staff and fans alike.
While balancing squad availability, Cardoso must also contend with injury woes. Mothobi Mvala and Bathusi Aubaas are currently sidelined, further limiting his selection options. As the team gears up to face Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, the stakes are high — not only for this match but also for their upcoming rivalry clash against one of their fiercest competitors.
The atmosphere ahead of the clash against Kaizer Chiefs is already palpable, with tickets selling out rapidly after becoming available on Monday morning. Fans of both clubs eagerly anticipate one of the season's marquee fixtures, a match that often determines early-season bragging rights within the league.
The team is locked in and ready, let’s stand behind The Brazilians and go for another big performance!
Masandawana, let’s bring the heat! 🔥#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/RrArzsvT8g
As the pressure rises and the clock ticks down to kick-off, the implications of yellow cards and injuries loom large over the Mamelodi Sundowns camp. With championship aspirations hanging in the balance, both fans and players are hoping for a clean bill of health and discipline as they approach this vital fixture.
Sundowns’ disciplinary issues have come under scrutiny recently, with coach Miguel Cardoso criticising PSL referees, accusing them of being too quick to hand out red cards to his team. His frustration follows Sundowns’ victory over Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein, where goalkeeper Dennis Onyango was sent off in the second half after picking up two yellow cards. Onyango’s dismissal took the team’s red card tally to nine for the season.
The Brazilians' bench is expected to face a selection dilemma — whether to omit some of their key players entirely or trust them to avoid picking up their fourth booking of the season.