Mamelodi Sundowns coach provides latest on Williams, Saleng returns

The Bafana Bafana shot stopper has missed two key matches, including the recent CAF Champions League defeat away to Al Hilal, while Saleng is still waiting to make his debut after joining the club last month.

Speaking ahead of Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup last 32 encounter against second tier outfit Gomora United on Wednesday night, Cardoso began by addressing Williams’ situation.

"What is important are the ones that are really injured and I can go on then, starting from Ronwen. Ronwen had a small thing from one of the doctors, it's not a muscle injury, it's more of a syndrome, which means that it's not a long term thing. We hope to have him back as quickly as possible,” Cardoso said.

“Let's see if he can make it up to the weekend, that's what we are trying to work on. Obviously being a player as important as he is for us, not only because he's one of our captains and when Themba is not on the pitch, he's the one that takes that responsibility but that also speaks to what he means of course as a player. 

“We should just go back to the press conference from the coach of Al Hilal on how he prepares the match in a different way because the characteristics of our goalkeepers are all different and that allows different approaches. I'm sure he'll be back soon."

READ: Underdog Gomora vow to go for broke against Mamelodi Sundowns

Cardoso now says Saleng should be available in a few weeks.

"Saleng has recovered very positively, if you remembered when I spoke about Saleng I told you in a negative approach that we may have Saleng out for two months because I also wanted to take out some pressure from his recovery and from himself,” the coach added.

“I believe that it will probably not be necessary all the time for him to be training normally. Then we need to understand from him if he's already feeling himself physically and fitness wise, capable of helping the team. 

“Make him understand of course a few details from what we want from him and then understand when the moment comes to allow him to be capable of performing. “Obviously his situation is different from the one that came from Ndamane [Khulumani], Ndamane came from the AFCON in a very good position for a young player to be part of an AFCON squad. 

“It's obviously very positive and of course he also worked with several of our players in the AFCON, which is what allowed him to be more comfortable inside our group. 

“Brayan [Leon] arrived in a good position because he didn't stop a lot in a preseason there, so he had played a match and after Christmas even a full match. His fitness was very good so we felt that he could be lined up."