Cardoso outlines youth management, competition and expectations at Sundowns

The 19-year-old defender was promoted from Sundowns’ DStv Diski Challenge side to the senior squad in October 2025 and marked his senior debut in the Betway Premiership against Orbit College after the AFCON break.

Sibiya’s rapid rise continued last Friday when he earned his first CAF Champions League appearance against Al Hilal, a sign that he is firmly in contention for more minutes at senior level.

Cardoso says squad rotation will be used to cope with the workload, but stresses that game time will ultimately be decided by consistency and performance across the entire group.

"It is very important for a coach with a young player to manage his condition and ensure he is in the right shape to perform."

"Like with everybody, with such a hectic schedule, there will be squad rotation, whether in the next game or the one that follows. It also depends on how players who are out of team show their level and readiness to play, because we don't look for names; we look at how they train, how committed they are to the team, and how they prove they want to come in when they are not selected."

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The versatile youngster is also a former South African U20 international and was part of the historic squad that lifted the U20 Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time.

Despite his age, the teenager has delivered a composed display at left-back, particularly in the league where he earned a Man of the Match award for his assured performance.

Competition for places remains intense, with experienced internationals Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien and Divine Lunga all vying for the same role in the squad.

Cardoso has reiterated that opportunities at a club of Sundowns’ stature must be taken decisively, with players expected to make an immediate impact when called upon.

Another player under the spotlight is winger Tashreeq Matthews, who continues to divide opinion among sections of the fanbase.

Matthews has made 23 appearances across all competitions this season, contributing five goals and five assists, figures that place him among the more productive wide players in the squad.

After the 2-2 against Al Hilal, Cardoso was asked to assess the winger’s output.

"Tashreeq has been performing in some moments. He had had some ups and downs, like all the other players. No one is capable of performing at a high level in so many games in a row. It is true that his numbers in the [CAF] Champions League are not exciting.

"But if you look at the PSL, you can see how many goals and goal contributions he has already made. This shows that a player cannot be evaluated solely by goals and assists."

Mamelodi Sundowns has travelled to Polokwane to battle Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday at 19.30.