Cardoso Explains Lethlaku Development Plan

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has praised the development of youngster Kutlwano Lethlaku, saying the club’s patient approach helped prepare him for senior football before introducing him to the first team.

Lethlaku spent most of the 2025/26 season playing in the DStv Diski Challenge, where he continued his development within the club’s youth structures. His impressive performances earned him a promotion to the senior squad, and he went on to feature in some of the club’s biggest matches of the season.

The youngster started both legs of the CAF Champions League final and also made at least 10 appearances in the Betway Premiership.

Cardoso’s faith in the young attacker was further demonstrated when he selected him for Sundowns’ FIFA Club World Cup clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Although the Brazilians suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat, Lethlaku impressed by providing an assist and displaying confidence on one of football’s biggest stages.

Reflecting on the youngster’s progress, Cardoso credited the work done in the Diski Challenge and praised the club’s careful management of his development.

“There was a lot of work done on Kutlwano Lethlaku before we had our hands on him,” Cardoso said.

“So, we need to praise everyone involved in that process. For example, coach Tiro did a fantastic job with him this season by continuing to motivate him, giving him opportunities in the Diski Challenge, and working closely with him so that we could bring him into the first team at the right moment.

“And, yes, people need to know that as much as they love our academy, we also love our academy. You are the first ones to love the academy, but there is always a right time to do things.

“That moment has to be the right one because the demand to win is so great that you cannot take unnecessary risks. We need to strike the right balance.”