Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is optimistic about the availability of midfielder Teboho Mokoena for Saturday's MTN8 soccer final against Orlando Pirates. Mokoena, who picked up an injury during Bafana Bafana's recent international fixtures, joined his teammates in training on Wednesday. This development has lifted hopes of his participation in the final against Pirates at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium. Cardoso, however, remains cautious about the trio's availability.
The Bafana Bafana trio of Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, and Bathusi Aubaas sustained injuries during their recent international matches. Mokoena and Aubaas are central midfielders, while Modiba plays as a left-back. Their injuries have raised concerns about their availability for the MTN8 final. Coach Cardoso emphasized that the club's priority is to ensure the players' fitness and avoid aggravating their muscle injuries.
National team coach Pitso Mosimane's strategy of rotating players during the recent international fixtures has been commended by Cardoso. Mosimane's approach was evident in the 1-0 friendly win against Egypt in Cairo on Sunday, where he gave opportunities to youngsters. This move was seen as a gesture of goodwill towards club coaches, considering the upcoming MTN8 final.
The MTN8 final promises to be an exciting encounter between league holders Orlando Pirates and continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates have been successful in domestic cups, winning six titles in the last four seasons. They ended Sundowns' eight-season Betway Premiership title run in 2025/2026. Sundowns, on the other hand, have had a strong start to the current campaign, winning the 2026 African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Coach Cardoso stressed that the club's fitness standards remain paramount. He will not risk playing players who are not 100% fit, especially with muscle injuries like those sustained by Modiba and Aubaas. The coach will make last-minute decisions on the trio's participation to avoid aggravating their injuries. This approach will ensure the players' fitness for the rest of the season.
The final at Moses Mabhida Stadium will be a massive clash between two top teams. Sundowns are seeking to build on their recent successes, including lifting their second Caf Champions League trophy. Pirates, under Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, are looking to continue their impressive form. The match is expected to be a classic encounter between two teams with a rich history.
The availability of Mokoena, Modiba, and Aubaas will be crucial for Sundowns' chances in the MTN8 final. While Mokoena's participation looks promising, the final decisions on the trio's availability will be made at the last minute. This cautious approach will ensure that the players are fit and ready for the challenges ahead.
Key points
- Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will make last-minute decisions on the availability of Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, and Bathusi Aubaas for the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.
