Miguel Cardoso Assesses Mamelodi Sundowns’ New Signings After Transfer Window
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shared his detailed assessment of the club’s four new signings following what was one of the team’s quietest transfer windows in recent years. The reigning DStv Premiership champions added Fawaaz Basadien, Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng, and Portuguese duo Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho to their squad.
Despite limited activity in the market, Cardoso believes the additions have strengthened key areas of the team and brought healthy competition to the squad. “It was the smallest market in the last five years. It does not mean it was not good,” Cardoso said after Sundowns’ CAF Champions League victory over Remo Stars. “They had different processes of integration.”
Basadien joined with high expectations but has struggled for regular minutes at left back. Aubrey Modiba’s consistent form has kept him out of the starting lineup, which has also cost Basadien a place in the Bafana Bafana squad. Cardoso was quick to defend the player, emphasizing that the lack of minutes is due to strong competition, not poor performance. “With Fawaaz, and I want you to understand the word I am going to use, struggling with the competition? He is not struggling. All of them are struggling because of the competition in that position,” Cardoso said. “Asekho (Tiwani) is also struggling, Thato Sibiya is also struggling and Divine Lunga is also struggling. Aubrey is in a good level at the moment and let’s hope he can continue.”
Katlego Ntsabeleng, who joined the Tshwane side on loan, has shown encouraging progress since arriving. Known for his creativity and energy, he is beginning to adapt to Sundowns’ demanding style of play. “Tsiki arrived not in the best place, but we see him develop,” Cardoso explained. “He grew a lot in the last two or three weeks. He is giving steps towards what we want from him.” Ntsabeleng has already found the back of the net for Sundowns, a sign that he is settling into the team’s rhythm.
Nuno Santos has arguably made the strongest impression of all the signings. The Portuguese midfielder slotted into the side with confidence and composure, quickly earning a man-of-the-match award in his home debut. “Nuno arrived and he played immediately. He got confident and he got the man of the match in the first match at home,” Cardoso said. “He is an English speaker and I think the adaptation of both has been good.” Santos’ vision and technical ability have added depth to Sundowns’ midfield, giving Cardoso more tactical options during both domestic and continental matches.
Miguel Reisinho’s start to life at Chloorkop has been less smooth. He received a red card in his debut against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout, which disrupted his momentum. “Unfortunately, Miguel missed the opportunity to play more consistently through the fact that he got the red card in the first match he entered,” Cardoso noted. “That took him even out of today’s match to give him more time because we know he cannot play the next two matches. He is a player who has the quality of Sundowns.” Despite the early setback, Reisinho has already scored for the club and remains a key part of Cardoso’s plans once he regains match rhythm.
All three of Ntsabeleng, Santos, and Reisinho have already scored for Sundowns, giving Cardoso confidence that his new recruits will continue to contribute to the team’s success as the season progresses. The coach’s comments underline Sundowns’ depth and internal competition, which remain vital as they chase trophies on multiple fronts. With players like Modiba in top form and new arrivals steadily improving, Cardoso appears satisfied with the direction the team is heading. Mamelodi Sundowns will continue their campaign in the CAF Champions League and the DStv Premiership, where their new signings will have further chances to prove their worth.
