The football world has always been one to spark debate, and in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), few topics get the pulse racing like the selection of players in key positions. The drama surrounding Mamelodi Sundowns and their coach, Miguel Cardoso, is no exception. The latest controversy? The role of Malibongwe Khoza, a player whose performances and position have come under intense scrutiny, especially by former footballer Junior Khanye.
It all started during a discussion on iDiski TV, where Khanye—known for his outspoken opinions on PSL matters—did not hold back when talking about Khoza’s role at Sundowns. Khanye, speaking as a pundit, criticized the young defender’s performances, claiming that he simply wasn’t up to the standard of the club’s defense.
“There’s no way, Lebusa. There are better defenders. I know Mvala is injured, and De Reuck—there’s no way De Reuck and Lebusa can sit outside and watch him play,” Khanye began, referring to Sundowns’ regular defenders, Mosa Lebusa and Grant Kekana. Mvala and De Reuck, who were both out due to injuries at the time, had often been considered first-choice options in the center-back positions. But Khanye believed that even in their absence, the team’s defensive line could still perform better than having Khoza in a starting role.
“They can’t,” Khanye continued. “The boy is lazy. I think he’s a central midfielder, maybe a holding number six. He’s too casual. When you lose the ball playing as a center-back, you only fetch it from the net.” Khanye was blunt—Khoza’s positioning, work rate, and ball retention were concerns that, in his view, made the player unfit for the critical role of center-back at Sundowns.
The comments, which quickly circulated across social media and PSL fan groups, caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, and most notably, it prompted a strong reaction from Sundowns’ head coach, Miguel Cardoso.
Cardoso, who had recently taken charge of Sundowns with the task of refining the squad and finding balance in his starting XI, was not one to shy away from a challenge. His defense-first mentality had been one of his signatures, but he faced a real tactical dilemma with Khoza’s inconsistent form at the back.
Sources close to the Sundowns camp hinted at Cardoso’s frustration with the ongoing debate about Khoza. The Portuguese coach, known for his methodical approach to game tactics, was apparently caught in a bind—on one hand, Khoza had shown flashes of potential; on the other, his performances had often left much to be desired, particularly in high-pressure situations.
There were also deeper tactical considerations. Cardoso had initially brought Khoza into the fold as a versatile defender, someone who could fill in across multiple positions in the backline, particularly in the center. However, Khoza’s perceived lack of intensity and a somewhat lax approach to defensive duties did not align with Cardoso’s aggressive, high-pressing game.
The controversy surrounding Khoza’s role at Sundowns wasn’t just about one or two shaky performances. It was more about a string of errors that had started to mount up. Fans, especially those on social media, were quick to call out the young player for what they saw as a casual, almost nonchalant approach to his defensive responsibilities.
While Khoza had shown some promise early in his career, his form had seemed to stagnate, especially under the intense pressure of playing for a club of Sundowns’ stature. There was an undeniable contrast between his fluidity in central midfield and the rigid demands of a center-back in a team as tactically demanding as Sundowns.
And it wasn’t just Khanye who voiced concerns. Other analysts and former players, including ex-Sundowns defenders, echoed similar worries about Khoza’s physicality and readiness to step into such a demanding role. The complaints were often focused on his failure to read the game well, slow reaction times, and failure to communicate effectively with teammates. As the matches continued, it became clearer: Khoza, for all his promise, was struggling to adapt to a starting role in one of the most successful clubs in African football.
As Cardoso faced mounting pressure to make decisions regarding his defense, the situation became about more than just Khoza. It became a broader conversation about the club’s depth and the tactics Cardoso would employ going forward. With key injuries disrupting the first-choice defense, the coach needed a solution.
The dilemma, of course, was that Sundowns had a wealth of talent across the squad, but the depth in central defense was thin in terms of truly reliable options. Mosa Lebusa, despite being a solid defender, had his own limitations, and the absence of experienced stalwarts like Mvala and De Reuck left the defense exposed.
Khanye’s criticism of Khoza thus underscored a crucial tactical issue: the need for consistency in defense and the importance of having players who could handle the pressures of playing for a club of Sundowns’ caliber. Cardoso was no stranger to big decisions, and this one was proving to be a defining moment of his tenure.
As the debate raged on, the future of Malibongwe Khoza at Mamelodi Sundowns seemed uncertain. Was he a player with potential who needed more time and development, or was he a liability that needed to be offloaded before his mistakes cost the team too much?
For now, coach Miguel Cardoso had to balance the interests of his squad, the expectations of the fans, and the reality of his current squad’s limitations. Whether or not Khoza would continue to feature in the team’s plans remained unclear, but one thing was certain: in football, as in life, the pressure to perform never lets up.
And as for Junior Khanye’s prediction? Only time would tell if his harsh assessment of Khoza’s role in Sundowns’ defense was right—or if the young defender would defy expectations and prove the doubters wrong.
