Cardoso Clarifies Future And Backs Ndlovu As Primary Striker
Sekhukhune United captain Daniel Cardoso admits the departures of veteran striker Bradley Grobler and winger Keletso Makgalwa have left a significant void, but believes Bright Ndlovu can help fill the gap after his impressive conversion to striker.
Grobler was released by Babina Noko ahead of the new season, while Bafana Bafana winger Makgalwa completed a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC, where he will link up with fellow South Africans Rushine De Reuck and Neo Maema under South African coach Steve Barker.
Cardoso acknowledged that losing two experienced players represents a major blow for the team as they prepare for a demanding campaign.
“It’s a big loss, obviously,” he said.
“Bradley Grobler is leaving, and I’m not sure where he’s going as yet. Keletso is going somewhere. Good luck to him in Tanzania.
“But Bright Ndlovu has been exceptional. He’s done exceptionally well. He scores when he has to, you know.
“He’s come up from nowhere, playing as a centre-back, which is nice. He’s versatile. So, if we’re chasing and needing a goal, he’ll always be up front.
“But for now, at the moment, I think he’s our number one striker. He’ll be leading the line up front until we find someone that we can put out as a striker.”
Ndlovu has already made a strong start to the new campaign after continuing in the striker role in Sekhukhune’s opening match of the season.
The former centre-back scored the only goal as Babina Noko defeated Durban City 1-0 on Saturday in their opening Betway Premiership encounter, providing further evidence that his conversion to striker could prove valuable following Grobler’s departure.
Ndlovu had also impressed in the final matches of last season after being moved further forward, scoring goals and providing Sekhukhune with another option in attack.
While the club adjusts to the changes in its squad, Cardoso was also forced to address reports that he had been released by Sekhukhune ahead of the new season.
The veteran defender dismissed the reports, describing the situation as a misunderstanding and insisting that he has always remained committed to the club.
“It was just a bit of a miscommunication,” he added.
“I don’t know how people got to say that I was leaving. I was always committed to the club.
“A few months back, they had already made the choice that I was going to be here. Like I say, I’m committed to the club, and I think I’ve worked well with the club.
“So, yeah, I don’t know where all of that came from. It was all just nonsense in the media.”
Sekhukhune started life without the duo, reaching the MTN8 semis by beating AmaZulu 4-3 in the quarter-final at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday. They will now meet Orlando Pirates in the two-legged ties.
In the meantime, Babina Noko will visit Kaizer Chiefs in the next league match at FNB Stadium on Wednesday [19:30].
