Head coach Miguel Cardoso had provided his assessment of striker Lebo Mothiba who made his second appearance as Sundowns kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Sundowns climbed top of Group F in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage after a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD from South Korea.
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It was a fixture in which Cardoso opted against fielding Peter Shalulile, in favour of Lebo Mothiba – who made only his second appearance in a Sundowns shirt since joining in Febuary.
The former Strasberg frontman has been haunted by injuries but made his debut in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC.
Speaking to media after the win over Ulsan, the tactician said he was pleased with Mothiba’s cameo and revealed he still rates the likes of Shalulile and Thapelo Maseko highly, despite the latter not being included in the FIFA Club World Cup squad.
"I’m also very happy that Mothiba entered the match," said Cardodo.
"He is a player who suffered so much in the last few months.
"I’m also happy to have Peter Shalulile, even though he did not play, but he has been so important to us throughout the season. So we have many [quality players]. Even Maseko, who is not even with us.
"The problem is that I can only play 11 players. It means that when I make choices, there are players who will not be happy. But I respect them and the fact that in some moments some are here, some are not here, and we manage those moments. That is the only thing you can do as a coach."
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Sundwons return to action on Saturday, where they will take on German giants Borussia Dortmund in matchday two of the Club World Cup group stages.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
