MTN8 specialist Monnapule Saleng returns to boost Sundowns for final against Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is withholding information about the fitness of three important players ahead of the upcoming MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates. The Brazilians are monitoring the availability of Bafana Bafana trio Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, and Bathusi Aubaas for the highly anticipated match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

All three players participated in a training session at Chloorkop with the rest of the team on Wednesday morning but their workout was relatively light. Modiba and Aubaas were seen wearing their boots while Mokoena trained in his sneakers, suggesting he may not be fully recovered. Cardoso stated that the players have been evaluated by the club's medical department, but a final decision on their availability for the Pirates match has not been made yet.

"I will never put a player on the field until I am certain he is fit," Cardoso explained. "We had the first assessment yesterday and they were checked by doctors today to get a clearer picture." The coach believes that these injuries might be resolved closer to the game, emphasizing the importance of not risking injuries such as the one Modiba and Aubaas suffered.

Keanu Cupido, who has been sidelined, also attended the training session. Cardoso expressed confidence in the progress of the three players, but stated, "We don’t want this game to have an impact on the season." He concluded by stating that the decision on their participation will be made with the season's well-being in mind.