ALTHOUGH the coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, Miguel Cardoso, admits that he has not blamed Khulumani Ndamane’s recent mistakes, but he will not stop blaming this stopper because he is the only one he can use these days.
Sundowns will wrap up the Betway Premiership season today by facing TS Galaxy at 7.30 pm, at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit.
A win for Sundowns against the Galaxy will keep them at the top with 71 points, while everything lies with Orlando Pirates, who will be left with two points.
Pirates with 65 points in the second place, will start their game against Durban City on Saturday at home, having a good understanding of what they need to end their 14-year hunger for the league title.
While speaking to the media after Sundowns’ 7-4 victory over Siwelele at the weekend, Cardoso admitted that Ndamane made obvious mistakes these days.
Of the four goals scored by Siwelele that seem to be useful for the Pirates, Ndamane made two mistakes where he passed the opponent and scored two goals.
Before that, he scored a late penalty when they drew 1-1 with Stellies.
“What is clear about Ndamane is that he is showing signs of fatigue not only physically but also mentally, which makes it seem like he is lagging behind when he has to do what he is used to,” said Cardoso.
“The problem we have is that he is the only stopper in midfield who can play with his left foot.”
Although Cardoso is protecting Ndamane, it is possible that the recent mistakes cost him the opportunity to play in the World Cup.
Ndamane is one of the players expected to find a place in the Bafana Bafana squad of around 55 players, which the coach, Hugo Broos, will select for the World Cup which was expected to be sent to Fifa.
Yesterday was the last day for national teams to submit to Fifa this list of players that should have at least four goalkeepers.
The main thing about this list is that no player who is not in it will appear and be included in the World Cup even if there are injuries in that national team.
On May 25, teams are forced to release their players from the national teams to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).
This day will be followed by June 1 or 2 when Fifa will announce all the national teams of 23 players.