‘We Cannot Risk Him’: Cardoso Shares Worrying Mokoena Update Before Super Cup Final
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has provided a concerning update on Teboho Mokoena’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s CAF Super Cup showdown against USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Mokoena’s fitness has been a concern following a series of injury setbacks this season.
The midfielder initially picked up an injury while on international duty with Bafana Bafana in September, forcing him to miss South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Eritrea and an international friendly against Egypt.
Despite those concerns, he returned to action and featured in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.
However, another injury setback during Sundowns’ CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg encounter against Wiliete SC further complicated his recovery.
Mokoena sustained the injury following a challenge with a Wiliete player on the stroke of half-time, forcing him off before the break. He was subsequently replaced by Bathusi Aubaas.
The setback was another blow for the Brazilians, who failed to overcome Wiliete and consequently missed out on a place in the CAF Champions League group stages.
With Sunday’s continental assignment approaching, Cardoso has stressed that Sundowns will not take any risks with the midfielder’s health, particularly as this is the second time he has suffered an injury to the same leg.
“We cannot risk a player’s health. Our responsibility is to protect our players and ensure their well-being,” Cardoso said.
“Teboho is a big concern because this is the second time he has suffered an injury to the same leg. A lot of work has been done on him, but we still need to assess how his recovery progresses and when he can return.
“His mood is good, and you saw him smiling and enjoying himself with the team on Tuesday. However, his ability to return to playing is something we still need to evaluate. We have to be careful because protecting the player is our priority.”
Sundowns and USM Alger secured their places in the CAF Super Cup after winning their respective continental competitions last season. The Brazilians lifted the CAF Champions League trophy, while the Algerian outfit claimed the CAF Confederation Cup.
Sunday’s encounter at Loftus Versfeld presents Cardoso’s side with an opportunity to add another international trophy to their collection this season, having already won the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
However, Mokoena’s availability remains a major concern as Sundowns prepare for the continental showdown.
The winners on Sunday will walk away with USD 500,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will receive USD 250,000.
