Miguel Cardoso Explains Why Mudau, Ribeiro and Shalulile Missed Richards Bay Clash
- Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has given an update on the absence of Khuliso Mudau, Lucas Ribeiro and Peter Shalulile from the Brazilian's squad
- The trio missed the Betway Premiership champions' win over Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday evening, 3 August 2025
- Fans also shared their thoughts on what the Portuguese manager said about the three players on social media
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Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why Khuliso Mudau, Lucas Ribeiro and Peter Shalulile were absent in the Brazilian's win over Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarter-final.
The Pretoria giants hit four past the Natal RichBoyz to secure a place in the semi-final, with Iqraam Rayners stealing the show with a Man of the Match performance in the absence of the trio.
Even with the trio, Sundowns dominated the match from start to finish, but some of the club fans wanted answers to the unavailability of the three players.
Source: Getty Images
Cardoso speaks on Mudau, Ribeiro and Shalulile's absence
In an interview after the match, Cardoso addressed the absence of Mudau, Ribeiro and Shalulile, with the Namibian striker recently being linked with a move away from the club.
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"As you can understand, I’m not going to get into the specifics of what's going on with Lucas, Mudau, Peter, or even Thapelo Morena, who also wasn't available today," the coach said after the match.
"Thapelo had a minor injury, nothing serious, but it was enough to keep him out. Of course, as a coach, you always want your full squad available, and ideally, you'd like to receive your reinforcements for the new season as early as possible. Unfortunately, that’s not the case right now.
"That said, we still have a job to do. I prefer to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. If I get stuck on what’s missing, I won’t be able to perform my role properly or give the players the motivation they need to push forward.
Source: Getty Images
"Yes, we would’ve liked to start this season from where we left off—with a strong and complete squad. But let me be clear: no one should think that Mamelodi Sundowns won’t be at the level expected of this club. I’m confident the people responsible will sort things out in due time."
Fans react to Cardoso's response
DownsInternatnl said:
"Listen to his word choices … “what’s happening with Lucas or Mudau or Peter or Thapelo Morena” but then he goes on to be transparent about Thapelo,does this mean that there are indeed issues with regards to the others?🤦🏾♂️🙆🏾♂️🤔"
mashoodoZ wrote:
"Lol why is he talking about Morena when the question was about Mudau , Ribeiro and box of lion matches?"
Boowa7 shared:
"I think it will be unfair to blame Sundowns this time around, players must blame themselves and thier agents. Only at Chiefs players have freedom, whoever wants to leave Chiefs is free leave."
MndayiBukho commented:
"From this response, I can safely say these players are gonna 🤧🤧"
Sisiphothegift implied:
"When Riviero did not wat to be asked about players, he was called names."
Ex-Sundowns star joins Liverpool FC
Briefly News also reported that a former Sundowns player has joined Liverpool Futbol Club on a season-long loan.
Liverpool FC have the option to sign the player permanently at the end of his loan move next summer.
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Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
