Cardoso backs young Mabena to step it up

As the 2025-26 Betway Premiership campaign kicks off this weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes this could be the season rising star Siyabonga Mabena (right) truly comes of age.

- Katlego Modiba

After a lengthy injury layoff, the 18-year-old came off the bench in the MTN8 quarter-final match against Richards Bay to round off the scoring in a comprehensive 4-0 victory for the Brazilians.

Mabena's goal sparked wild celebrations both in the stands and on the Sundowns bench, with Cardoso sprinting to the corner flag to embrace the teenager.

The Portuguese coach gave an honest assessment of Mabena's impactful cameo appearance after Sundowns booked their place in the semifinals of the Top 8 competition, where they will face Orlando Pirates.