Cardoso On Signing Cele And Matuludi: “We Cannot Survive”
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained the importance of having a deep squad after the club bolstered its ranks with the signings of Thabang Matuludi and Thabo Cele.
Both Matuludi and Cele were announced as new Sundowns players during the week. Cele joined the African champions on a free transfer after being released by Kaizer Chiefs, while Matuludi arrived from Polokwane City.
The duo have already started training with Sundowns but were not included in the matchday squad for Saturday’s 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium as they continue to wait for their debuts.
Speaking after the match, Cardoso explained why having enough available players is crucial for Sundowns, particularly with the club competing in multiple competitions and facing a demanding schedule.
“A team that plays so much needs, obviously, a deep squad,” he said.
“In three days, we have to change seven or eight players, six or seven players, so that we can still have some freshness.
“Chippa rested all week, and we came here to play.
“If we could not bring freshness onto a pitch with these conditions, where, obviously, the level of fatigue increases a lot, we cannot survive.
“So we need to give answers to the conditions where we compete.”
Matuludi and Cele are part of a growing list of players brought in by Sundowns this season, with Antonio Van Wyk, Cassius Mailula, Deano Van Rooyen and Siyanda Ndlovu also joining the club.
Van Rooyen is yet to make his first appearance for the Brazilians, meaning Cele and Matuludi join him among the new arrivals still waiting to make their competitive debuts.
The trio could potentially get their first opportunity when Sundowns face Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Sundowns will hope the new additions can provide Cardoso with more options as the club continues to balance domestic football with its demanding international schedule.
