Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso responded to the growing speculation concerning key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Khuliso Mudau, and Peter Shalulile, who were absent during the MTN8 quarter-final win against Richards Bay at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
Cardoso stated that the club is addressing these issues internally and prefers to refrain from public discussions regarding them.
Costa, the PSL Footballer of the Season, is reportedly attracting interest from a club in Qatar and the Brazilian team Fluminense.
Mudau appears eager for a transfer, with reports indicating his contract expired in June, and discussions for a new agreement have stalled.
Shalulile is also rumored to be departing, with claims that Tunisian club Esperance Sportive de Tunis is nearing a deal.
“The club is actively working to resolve these matters, and we will share updates at the right time,” Cardoso said after the match against Richards Bay.
“I won’t comment on the situations regarding Mudau, Lucas Ribeiro, Peter, or Thapelo Morena, who also didn’t participate.”
“Thapelo has a minor injury, nothing serious, just a small issue.”
After parting ways with over seven players at the end of last season, Sundowns has secured only one new signing, Fawaaz Basadien, from Stellenbosch.
Basadien took over Mudau’s usual right-back role in the second half of the Richards Bay match, leading to speculation about a potential fallout between Mudau and the club.
“As a coach, my aim is always to have a complete squad,” Cardoso emphasized.
“Every coach hopes for reinforcements for the new season as soon as possible, but that’s not our current reality.
“Nonetheless, this doesn’t imply we cannot manage our responsibilities. I focus on finding solutions rather than getting bogged down by problems. If I concentrate on the issues, I won’t be able to perform at my best or motivate the players to move forward.”
“Ideally, we wanted to start the season with all players fit and prepared.”
“However, no one should doubt that Mamelodi Sundowns will reach their expected standards. The decision-makers are committed to organizing and resolving these issues swiftly.”
Sundowns will battle their rivals, Orlando Pirates, in a two-legged MTN8 semi-final later this month.
