Will Miguel Cardoso's selection crisis impact Mamelodi Sundowns' Nedbank Cup chances?

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso faces a selection challenge ahead of Friday’s Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Sekhukhune United (7pm kick-off). 

The conundrum arises as he awaits the return of the club’s Bafana Bafana players, who were in action during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. South Africa played Benin on Tuesday in Ivory Coast, just three days before Sundowns’ cup clash with Sekhukhune. 

The timing of the fixture is particularly tight as it had to be rescheduled due to a double booking at Lucas Moripe Stadium earlier this month. To add further complexity, the game will take place just four days before Sundowns’ CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg against Esperance next Tuesday.

The national team touched down on Wednesday, giving Sundowns’ players a brief opportunity to rest before returning to training on Thursday. Sundowns are well represented in the national team, with eight players called up: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubass and Iqraam Rayners.

However, Aubrey Modiba had to withdraw from the squad due to the birth of his child, and is expected to be available for Friday’s match.

Despite Modiba’s absence from the Bafana camp, the remaining Sundowns players will be closely monitored to determine whether they are fit enough to play, given the potential for a physically demanding cup encounter, including the possibility of extra time and penalties. 

In the event that some of the Bafana players are unavailable, Masandawana have a capable squad, with several options to choose from. The likes of Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Chile’s Marcelo Allende have not had any international duty. Additionally, the likes of Neo Maema, Sphelele Mkhulise, Mosa Lebusa and Kobamelo Kodisang, who are all eager for more game-time, could also feature.

A positive development for Cardoso is that Peter Shalulile, who represented Namibia in their match against Equatorial Guinea on Monday, will return to Chloorkop in time for the cup clash. Since the match was held in Polokwane, Shalulile, who has found a spark of form recently, will have sufficient rest to be part of the preparations for the upcoming fixture.

With these considerations in mind, Cardoso’s challenge is to assess the fitness and availability of his players, and make the necessary adjustments to field a competitive team against Sekhukhune.

Cardoso has previously described his team’s recent schedule as “crazy”, highlighting the intensity and demands placed on his squad in recent weeks. With a congested fixture list that includes domestic cup matches, league games and CAF Champions League commitments, the coach acknowledged the strain on his players. Cardoso pointed out that the constant travel, combined with the short recovery periods between matches, has made it difficult for Sundowns to maintain optimal performance.

He expressed concern over the risk of fatigue and injuries, particularly as they head into a crucial phase of the season, where every match holds significant importance. However, despite these challenges, Cardoso is expected to remain confident in the depth of his squad, with the most expensive group in the land at his disposal.