Miguel Cardoso questions timing of Teboho Mokoena suspension | OneFootball

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Cardoso unimpressed with timing of Mokoena suspension

Photo: Nokwanda Zondi/ BackPagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has questioned the timing of Teboho Mokoena's suspension ahead of their Betway Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

The dynamic midfielder received his fourth yellow card of the season in the latter stages of their Carling Knockout Cup defeat to Marumo Gallants, meaning he won't be available for selection against the Buccaneers.

Now, the Downs mentor is adamant the caution is a coincidence as the top-of-the-table clash against Pirates was looming.

“It's very interesting the situation of Teboho because it's also a coincidence that in the last minute of the match he gets a yellow card when we are going to play Pirates after - I believe in coincidences. I just hope that the ones we are going to feature or put to play are on his level,” said Cardoso.

Cardoso went on to reveal that Mokoena was heavily affected by the yellow card saga that saw FIFA deduct crucial three points from Bafana Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

"I think that it's clear for everybody that Teboho had a very difficult moment in his personal life due to the situation he had to deal with. No one would like to keep his name associated with a negative situation that could affect the country for history , despite that he had no responsibility," he added.

"I think that after the qualification of Bafana Bafana for the World Cup, it was clear that Teboho was another man and we feel so happy because of that. So, I think it's even a human question that was on the table. It was clear for everybody that Teboho was not in the best place.

"But now we feel him happy, we feel him communicating, we feel him smiling, and I believe the best Teboho Mokoena will come in the next matches to help us because he is a leader also for us, he is important.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen who will reign supreme in the capital as the gigantic fixture could set the tone in the title race for the remainder of the season.