Cardoso Shares Vision For New Signing Tsiki

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has shared his expectations for the team’s new signing, Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng, who recently joined the Brazilians on loan from FC Dallas in the United States. 

Ntsabeleng is yet to feature in Sundowns’ matchday squad, and is the second player the team has signed in the current transfer window following the signing of Fawaaz Basadien. 

“Regarding Tsiki, what we expect from him is a midfielder that is versatile and he can play as a number six, eight, 10, and even a winger,” Cardoso said. 

“So, a player that can play all those positions is a player that has high intensity.”

Cardoso emphasized that Ntsabeleng’s development will be key to his success with the team. 

“But another thing we need to understand is that he is new in this club and he needs to develop with our philosophy and also what we want from him so that he can find a connection.”

The former Esperance Sportive de Tunis mentor highlighted that Ntsabeleng was not playing regularly in his previous team, so Sundowns will focus on improving his condition levels. 

“When we were in the United States during the Club World Cup, he was with us there, and he is also with us here now,” he highlighted.

“Another thing people need to know is that Tsiki was not playing regularly in his team, so we’re lifting his condition levels so that he can help the team.”

Cardoso believes that Ntsabeleng has the potential to make a significant impact on the Brazilians. 

“We believe that there’s a lot he will do for the club, and he is a high investment player for the club and for himself as well,” he said.

“He has worked very hard since he came, and on the last weekend, we had a chance to play a friendly game where he played 45 minutes, and he played well.

“So, I think he is approaching the moment where he can bring the best for the team,” he added about Tsiki.

“Let’s hope when we lose the likes of Kutlwano Lethlaku, Siyabonga Mabena, and other youngsters to the U20 national team and maybe can get a chance, then people will see the importance of having him here.”

In other news, Cardoso explained the absence of duo Teboho Mokoena and Peter Shalulile in Sundowns’ match against Magesi on Sunday, citing fatigue rather than injuries. 

“Look, there were free players, and two of them didn’t enter the list of the matchday squad because of fatigue, not injuries,” he said when asked by Sportswire about the absence of his key players.

“I think you know that Teboho played two matches and full 90 minutes in each game in the national team, and also before he went there, he played many games for us. 

“So, as a coach, I need to manage the players for us to have all players ready because of midweek and weekend games.”

The 2024/25 coach of the season emphasized that making changes or doing rotations means they have trust in other players. 

“Making changes or doing rotations means we have trust in other players, and I think (Bathusi) Aubaas played less time on Bafana Bafana, and that’s why we started with him. 

“There’s nothing to worry about, Teboho, of course. It’s a similar thing to Peter as well,” he conceded.

“I think you all know that Peter is coming from a long trip, and he just flew back to Johannesburg at night from his national team. 

“Obviously, not playing them on Sunday was to allow them to be fresh in the next game.”

The Brazilians, who are the league leaders in the Betway Premiership, will now face Marumo Gallants in their next league game at Dr. Molemela Stadium on Wednesday [19:30].