Cardoso Defends Mothiba Panenka Miss
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has defended Lebo Mothiba’s attempted Panenka penalty—saved by Polokwane City goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula—insisting that the former Bafana Bafana striker is a reliable penalty taker.
Mothiba, who came on in the second half during Sundowns’ win over Polokwane City at Seshego Stadium on Wednesday, saw his Panenka attempt denied by Mathebula, who reacted quickly to smother the effort.
Despite the miss, Mothiba looked lively after his introduction and proved difficult to contain as he pushed to make an impact for Sundowns.
He played a key role in the match-winning goal, laying the ball off to Marcelo Allende, who fired a low, driven shot past Mathebula to secure the victory and send Sundowns to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
Sundowns, on 61 points, are two points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates, with both sides having played 26 matches.
The win also ended a run of two consecutive draws against Stellenbosch and Richards Bay.
“I was looking back and a little bit to the sky,” said Cardoso.
“I must admit I didn’t really understand what happened. I think the goalkeeper was going the other way, so he tried to play it there. Look, Lebo is a very good penalty taker—very good.
“If he didn’t score today, it’s not because he didn’t want to, but because he couldn’t. It is what it is.
“Teams grow in moments like these, when someone doesn’t succeed and others respond. We don’t dwell on mistakes—we analyse them and look to improve next time, for sure.”
Mothiba, who has been hampered by a knee injury that required surgery, has featured in 13 matches across all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
