Siyabonga Mabena’s return to action at Mamelodi Sundowns nine months since his last appearance will have added value for the teenager.
Mabena only played twice last season, and both his appearances came before Miguel Cardoso took over as head coach in December 2024.
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So, the minutes that the 18-year-old got on Sunday evening after replacing Tashreeq Matthews after 79 minutes were the first he got under Cardoso.
"This last season when I arrived at the club we found a very difficult situation with the big injuries on ligaments," says Cardoso.
"We have Mothobi (Mvala), Mabena, Rivaldo (Coetzee), and Themba (Zwane) so we had to support them.
"It was an emotional and difficult moment for everyone at the club because we are watching them fighting to recover throughout.
"So, we had to support them permanently, watch then recover and give them energy.
"And as you might imagine for a young player there would have been a lot of emotions.
"So, we celebrated to give that energy and congratulate him.
"We should understand what the role of a young player is and that of a group in terms of supporting them to grow and what the role of a coach is in promoting players.
"Young players will succeed if the teams are strong, it is easier for them to enter in contests like this.
"Mabena made wonderful moments, but he also made mistakes, also he played too much for the public and he cannot do that, but he will have to learn that he has to make his own decisions.
"I’m pretty pleased that he entered the game like Kutlwano (Letlhaku)," says Cardoso.
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After missing out on the successful continental showcase earlier this year, next up for Mabena is aiming to be selected for the Under-20 FIFA Club World Cup in Chile from September 27 – October 19.
Amajita will play France (September 29), New Caledonia (October 2), and United States of America (October 5).
To qualify for the last 16, Amajita will need to win their group or be runners-up with the third option hanging on one of the four best third placed teams from the six groups.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
