Cardoso Believes Mamelodi Sundowns Youngster Mabena Is Ready to Evolve

Rethabile Nyelele7 August , 2025

As the highly anticipated 2025/26 Betway Premiership season gets underway this weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso is placing his faith in teenage sensation Siyabonga Mabena to make a major leap in his career.

Mabena Returns with a Bang

The 18-year-old forward made a lively return to competitive action during Sundowns’ commanding 4–0 win over Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarter-finals. Coming off a spell on the sidelines due to injury, Mabena entered from the bench and sealed the emphatic victory with a clinical finish, a moment that ignited jubilation both on the pitch and in the technical area.

Cardoso, visibly elated, rushed to celebrate with the young attacker at the corner flag, a clear indication of just how much this moment meant for both the coach and his protégé.

A Platform for Growth

Cardoso praised Mabena’s performance but stressed that the youngster still has a lot to learn if he is to fulfil his immense potential.

“It’s now his time to step up, and that only happens through learning and reviewing his performances. I’m proud of his display and the energy he brought into the game,” the Sundowns boss reflected after their progression to the MTN8 semi-finals, where they’ll lock horns with Orlando Pirates.

Cardoso’s vision for Mabena aligns closely with the club’s long-term philosophy of blending youth with experience. He noted that players like Mabena and Kutlwano Letlhaku represent the future but must still adapt to the tactical discipline expected at the elite level.

“Giving youngsters chances helps us experiment with ideas we’re building for the future. That goal meant a lot, not just to him but to all of us,” Cardoso added.

Entertainment vs Efficiency

While Mabena’s flair and confidence on the ball have made him a crowd favourite, Cardoso cautioned against playing for the gallery. The teenager’s pace and dribbling are exciting, but they occasionally lead to unnecessary risk.

“He showed brilliant flashes, but he also made errors,” Cardoso admitted. “At times, he played more for the spectators than for the team’s needs. That’s not sustainable — he must learn to play smart and not be influenced by cheers for fancy moves.”

With a wealth of coaching experience across Europe and Africa, Cardoso emphasised that the environment around young players must be stable and supportive to allow them to flourish.

“Strong teams give young players the platform to grow. Our job, as a coaching team and as senior players, is to guide them, not only when they shine but especially when they falter.”

Title Defence Begins in the Bay

Sundowns will officially kick off their league campaign on Saturday against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The fixture pits Cardoso against Chilli Boys head coach Sinethemba Badela, a former Sundowns academy mentor, adding an intriguing subplot to the clash.

Kick-off is set for 3pm, with Sundowns aiming to set the tone early as they look to defend their league crown once again.

All Eyes on Mabena

The spotlight may be on Sundowns as title holders, but much attention will also be focused on whether this will be Mabena’s breakout year. With Cardoso’s belief and guidance, and the structure of a championship-winning side behind him, the teenage forward could very well blossom into the star many expect him to become.

For now, the message is clear: talent alone won’t be enough. It’s time for Mabena to grow into the disciplined, intelligent player the beautiful game demands.