Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso may have been pleased with how Siyabonga Mabena made his return to first team football, but there is one concern he plans on addressing.
During the second half of Sundowns' MTN8 quarter-final clash against Richards Bay on Sunday evening, Mabena and Kutlwano Letlhaku stood on the touchline, waiting to come on. There was a loud cheer, presumably for the return of Mabena, who had not made a first-team appearance since October last year.
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It did not take long for the youngster to make his mark, scoring the fourth and final goal of the night to comfortably send Sundowns through to the semi-finals. That goal was a big deal for everyone at Sundowns, including Cardoso who ran towards the corner flag to celebrate the goal, in his smart casual attire.
After the match, Cardoso spoke about how much support Mabena and a few other players who had long term injuries had to be supported when he and his technical team joined the club in December.
"Last season, when I arrived in the club, it was a difficult situation with the big injuries. We had Mothobi (Mvala), Mabena, Rivaldo (Coetzee) and Themba (Zwane). We had to support them throughout the season. It was an emotional moment for everyone because we were watching them fighting to recover and give them energy," Cardoso said after the match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
"As you can imagine for a young player who had made two goals days before get got injured, coming from the Diski team and a lot of emotions and a lot of expectations. We celebrated to give that energy to him and to congratulate him. We should understand what is the role of a young player and what is the role of a group when we have young players in terms of supporting them to grow and what is the role of a coach in order to promote young players."
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There is, however, a concern from Cardoso. Mabena, you see, was playing on the left side of Sundowns' attack, and that's where most of the Sundowns supporters were. So, whenever he was in possession of the ball, there was a loud cheer. Cardoso felt that Mabena made some mistakes because he was playing for the crowd, but believes it's something they can work on.
"Young players will succeed if the teams are strong. It's more easy for them. And it's more easy for them to enter in contests like these because Mabena made wonderful things, but also made mistakes. Also, playing too much for the public. He will have to learn that he has to make his own decisions and not let himself be influenced by the people cheering. But it's time for him to try. That's how he will learn, by watching the video of what he could have done and how he did. I am pleased he entered in the game, like Kutlwano (Letlhaku). I hope in the future we can give opportunities to others who are working with us."
Mabena is expected to get more opportunities on the pitch, and he will no doubt be determined to make up for lost time.
