Cardoso On Williams’ Injury, Expected Nabi Approach
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has provided the latest injury update on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and revealed the type of approach he expects from Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The Tshwane giants will lock horns with the Soweto giants in a Betway Premiership clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday (15:30).
On course to a record extending eighth championship, a well-rested Chiefs side stands in between the Brazilians and crucial three points.
But Cardoso faces another dilemma as his first choice shot-stopper Williams is set for a late fitness test ahead of the big encounter against Amakhosi. The Bafana Bafana captain missed the team’s last four matches in all competitions.
The 52-year-old Portuguese tactician gave an equivocal response when quizzed about the availability of the goalkeeper, who last featured in the shock 1-0 defeat to Adnan Beganovic’s TS Galaxy in Mbombela two weeks ago.
“Regarding Ronwen [Williams], let’s see. We have expectations that he can come [back] but we don’t stress because of that because Ronwen will come [back] pretty soon. I don’t know if he will be ready for this match [against Chiefs] or another one and the other one,” said Cardoso.
“He is still under assessments, and I spoke with him in the morning [on Thursday] but we don’t stress. I’m pretty comfortable with the situation we have at the moment, so let’s see what will happen in the next few days.”
Having scored 15 goals in their last five league matches – including a 4-1 drubbing of Orlando Pirates, Cardoso says he doesn’t expect leaky Chiefs to adopt a more defensive approach, expressing his respect for the Tunisian mentor at the helm in Naturena.
“No, he won’t change anything on his general approach on the game. He can strategically adjust certain principles like we can adjust, he’s not any kid that’s coaching in football for the first time, I have a lot of respect for him,” the Downs mentor added.
“And he knows what he’s doing, he wants to develop his team because he’s also preparing the future of the club and the team. So, we expect [a tough match], obviously these games have a different context.”
Masandwana scored 14 goals against the Glamour Boys in their last five league meetings while conceding just three goals and will be keen to complete a league double over Nabi’s men.
Moreover, Sundowns thrashed Chiefs 4-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals in the ongoing campaign.
