Cardoso Addresses Costa, Mudau, And Shalulile Rumours
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed the swirling rumors surrounding key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Khuliso Mudau, and Peter Shalulile, who all missed the MTN8 quarter-final victory against Richards Bay at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
Cardoso confirmed that the club is handling these matters behind the scenes and that he would not discuss them publicly.
Costa, the PSL Footballer of the Season, is reportedly a transfer target for a club in Qatar and the Brazilian side Fluminense.
Mudau, there are reports that he wants to leave, with his contract reportedly having expired in June. The club and player have not yet agreed on a new deal.
Shalulile is rumored to be on his way out of Sundowns, with Tunisian club Esperance Sportive de Tunis reportedly close to an agreement.
“The club is sorting out all those things, and they will for sure be made public at a proper time,” said Cardoso after the Bay win.
“I will come here and start discussing what is happening with Mudau, Lucas Ribeiro, Peter, or Thapelo Morena, who was not here.
“Thapelo basically had a small injury, and it was nothing big, but a small injury.”
Despite having released over seven players at the end of last season, Sundowns has only signed one new player, Fawaaz Basadien, from Stellenbosch.
Basadien played in Mudau’s usual right-back position during the second half of the Richards Bay match, which has led to speculation about a possible rift between Mudau and the club.
“But obviously, for the coach, a coach always wants to have the team as complete as possible,” added Cardoso.
“All coaches want to receive the reinforcements for the new season as quick as possible. So, it’s not where we are.
“But it doesn’t mean that we are not able to cope with our responsibilities. I have to work on solutions rather than on problems. Otherwise, if I hang to the problems, for sure, I will not be able to also perform myself in the proper way and give the stimulus to the boys so that we can move forward.
“But it’s obvious that we would like to have been able to start the season from where we left, with all the players as strong as possible.
“But no one should think that Mamelodi Sundowns will ever be, not in the level that has to be. And for sure, people in charge take the responsibility to organise the things and sort the issues in a proper time.”
Sundowns will next face their rivals, Orlando Pirates, in a two-legged MTN8 semi-final later this month.
