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Cardoso Explains Ndamane’s Half-Time Substitution

You are currently viewing Cardoso Explains Ndamane’s Half-Time Substitution
Christian Saile of Siwelele FC challenged by Khulumani Ndamane of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Betway Premiership 2026/27 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Siwelele FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 09 September 2026 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shed light on his decision to withdraw Khulumani Ndamane at half-time.

The Brazilians cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Siwelele FC thanks to goals from Kutlwano Letlhaku, Siyanda Ndlovu and Tashreeq Matthews.

Ndamane, who started the game for Sundowns was taken off at the break after picking up a yellow card, while Malibongwe Khoza went on to shine and walked away with the Man of the Match award.

Cardoso praised Man of the Match Malibongwe Khoza, while also reserving special praise for Mthobi Mvala, who made his long-awaited return.

“We decided to take Ndamane out because of the yellow card, it’s always dangerous to play teams that are waiting for transitions, on a duel we can get a second card, and then the match was 0-0,” he said on SuperSportTV.

“So we decided immediately to bring also Mthobi, I’m very happy he comes back after such a long time. I think he played very well also.

“Congratulations to Mali. We know what we have there, the Sundowns future is also in the hands of the young players. Today, he showed maturity and obviously as more experience we give the best he will become.

“And bravo for him, bravo for the team. I think it was a beautiful game defensively also.”