Thapelo Maseko’s Surprise Cameo Against Esperance: Cardoso Stands by His Decision

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso had a tactical plan in mind when he introduced Thapelo Maseko in the dying minutes of their CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg against Esperance. However, the execution did not unfold as anticipated. Despite this, Cardoso has no regrets about giving the winger a rare opportunity to feature in a crucial match.

Maseko replaced goalscorer Peter Shalulile with just seven minutes left on the clock as Sundowns sought to maintain their slender 1-0 lead at Loftus Stadium. The idea was for the young winger to use his pace to exploit the spaces behind Esperance’s defensive line. However, the team struggled to play to his strengths, leaving the 21-year-old with limited impact.

Having not played for the Sundowns senior team since February, Maseko’s inclusion was a testament to the hard work he has been putting in during training. Cardoso acknowledged that the winger had been consistent in his efforts and deserved the opportunity.

“Maseko has been training very well. He has not been playing regularly, it’s true. But he has been in the group. When a player is regularly in the group, it means that we trust (him). He has specific characteristics and we thought we could profit from the characteristics that he had. He is a player who is very quick and he understands the spaces at the back of the defence,” Cardoso explained in his post-match press conference.

Although Maseko’s introduction did not yield the desired tactical advantage, Cardoso remains satisfied with the winger’s progress and development. The coach emphasized that the issue was not Maseko’s performance but rather the team’s inability to play into the spaces that would have allowed him to make a difference.

“He has been training with us for those characteristics and highlighting those characteristics on him. That’s what we wanted, but we did not serve him the right way because he must be served in the spaces. He is a player to be served in the space, not on his feet. We should play the ball out of the direction of the centre backs. It didn’t work, but the intention of putting him on the pitch is correct. We are satisfied with the work he does every day. That’s why he played.”

Maseko’s journey at Sundowns has been a challenging one. His second season with the club has seen him drop down to the DStv Diski Challenge side at times, forcing him to work his way back into the first-team squad. While he has made 11 senior appearances, he has yet to start a game for the reigning South African champions.

Despite the setback, Cardoso’s comments suggest that Maseko remains an important part of the squad, and his opportunity against Esperance signals a possible resurgence in his Sundowns career. With the second leg set to take place in Rades, Tunisia, next Tuesday, it remains to be seen if the young winger will get another chance to showcase his abilities on the big stage.