Miguel Cardoso hints at possible debut for Miguel Reisinho | OneFootball

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Cardoso speaks on potential debut of new signing Reisinho

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/ Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has hinted that newly signed Miguel Reisinho could be in line to make his debut this weekend.

The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder was roped in on a free transfer after parting ways with Portuguese outfit Boavista following their relegation to the second-tier last season.

While Reisinho’s compatriot Nuno Santos has already racked up two appearances for Masandawana, Cardoso highlighted the stark difference in the players’ situations.

“The situation of Miguel and Nuno is not exactly the same because Nuno was training regularly and playing. Miguel was training regularly but not playing officially. He was training in a team where he asked to train because he was expecting opportunities,” explained the Downs mentor.

“He had a couple of opportunities, but it was a misfortune for him in that moment but a fortune for us – the deals we’re not concluded and that gave us an opportunity in the last minutes to have a chance to bring him as a free agent player.

Despite acknowledging Reisinho lacks match fitness and sharpness, the Portuguese tactician didn’t completely close the door on the utility player featuring in the next match.

“We have a full week, let’s see how he responds to the impact of the sessions. If he does well and shows quality, shows that he deserves to be in the group of players [for matchday squad], I cannot say no but I cannot also tell you right now that yes [he will play],” Cardoso added.

“Our intention is to bring the players as quickly as possible to the team – let’s see. But we need players in the front, so if he shows adaptation and capacity to produce 20 or 30 minutes of game time, we have no problem because we need players in the front. We lack the capacity to substitute players.

Sundowns will be back in action when they host Marumo Gallants at Lucas Moripe Stadium in the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 on Saturday.