Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has provided an update on Teboho Mokoena’s injury after the midfielder was forced off during the club’s 0-0 draw against Wiliete SC in the CAF Champions League on Sunday evening. The South African champions were unable to find a breakthrough in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie against the Angolan side, leaving the contest finely balanced ahead of the return fixture. Mokoena’s early departure added to Sundowns’ concerns as they prepare for a decisive match in Tshwane. The Bafana Bafana international experienced discomfort around a ligament that he had previously injured while on national team duty. Cardoso confirmed that further medical examinations would be conducted to determine the extent of the latest setback, leaving the midfielder’s availability for the second leg uncertain.

Mokoena was forced to leave the field approximately five minutes before half-time after picking up a knock during the encounter against Wiliete SC. The midfielder could not continue, prompting Cardoso to introduce Bathusi Aubaas as his replacement. His departure was a concern for Sundowns because of the important role he plays in the team’s midfield, where his passing, defensive work and ability to control possession contribute to the team’s overall performance. Mokoena is also an established member of the South African national team, making his fitness important to both club and country. Although the initial signs raised concerns, the full extent of the injury remained unknown immediately after the match.

Speaking after the goalless draw, Cardoso explained that Mokoena had experienced discomfort around a ligament previously affected during his time with Bafana Bafana. The Portuguese coach acknowledged the midfielder’s importance to the team and highlighted the experience he brings to a squad that also includes several younger players. Cardoso’s comments indicated that the latest problem involved an area that had already required attention, although he did not confirm that the midfielder had suffered a serious new injury. The coaching staff were therefore waiting for medical assessments before making any firm conclusions about his condition. For Sundowns, the priority was to establish the nature of the problem and determine whether Mokoena would be available for the upcoming fixture.

Cardoso explained that the club did not yet know the severity of the injury because Mokoena had been unable to continue playing. He also expressed hope that the problem would not be serious and that the midfielder could recover in time for the next match. The coach confirmed that Mokoena would undergo medical examinations on Monday to provide a clearer picture of his condition. Those assessments were expected to help the club determine whether the midfielder needed additional treatment or time away from competitive football. Until the results became available, Sundowns could not confirm when he would return to action.

Mokoena’s injury concern comes at an important stage of Sundowns’ CAF Champions League campaign. The club travelled to Angola hoping to secure a positive first-leg result against Wiliete SC, but the encounter ended in a 0-0 draw despite several promising opportunities. Sundowns created chances through Brayan Leon, Teboho Mokoena and Tashreeq Matthews, but Wiliete goalkeeper Elber produced important saves to keep the visitors from scoring. The Angolan side remained organised defensively and prevented the reigning African champions from gaining an advantage before the return fixture. With neither team scoring in the opening match, the second leg in Tshwane will determine which side advances to the next round.

Mokoena’s potential absence could influence Sundowns’ preparations for the return match, particularly because of his experience and contribution in midfield. His ability to distribute the ball, support defensive transitions and help control the tempo of a game makes him an important option for Cardoso. However, the club will need to assess its available players and consider alternative combinations if the midfielder is ruled out. Aubaas replaced Mokoena during the first leg and could be considered among the options available to the coaching staff, although Cardoso’s final selection will depend on the team’s preparations and fitness assessments. Sundowns will want to maintain their usual midfield balance while ensuring that any changes do not disrupt their ability to control the contest.

The injury also highlights the challenge of managing players who compete for both their clubs and their national teams. Mokoena’s previous ligament problem occurred while he was on international duty, and the latest discomfort has raised questions about his immediate availability. However, the available information does not establish whether the current problem represents a recurrence of the earlier injury or a separate setback involving the same area. The medical examinations will be important in clarifying the situation and helping Sundowns determine the appropriate next steps. Avoiding a rushed return will be important if the club wants to protect the midfielder’s long-term fitness while managing its immediate continental ambitions.

Sundowns are scheduled to host Wiliete SC in the second leg in Tshwane on Friday, with qualification for the next round of the CAF Champions League at stake. The South African side will be expected to make use of home advantage after failing to score in Angola. A more clinical performance in the final third could prove decisive, especially if Wiliete again adopt a compact defensive approach designed to frustrate the hosts. Cardoso will also need to monitor the fitness of his players and decide how best to organise the team for the crucial encounter. Mokoena’s medical results could therefore play an important role in determining Sundowns’ midfield options for the match.

Wiliete SC will arrive for the return leg knowing that their defensive performance in the first encounter has kept them firmly in contention. Elber’s saves and the team’s organisation prevented Sundowns from taking control of the tie, despite the visitors creating several opportunities. The Angolan club will now attempt to maintain that resilience against a Sundowns side seeking a breakthrough on home soil. For the Brazilians, patience and improved finishing will be essential if they are to avoid allowing frustration to affect their performance. The second leg presents an opportunity to settle the contest, but Sundowns must remain disciplined while balancing their attacking ambitions with defensive responsibilities.

Cardoso’s update has made Mokoena’s fitness one of the main talking points ahead of the CAF Champions League return leg. The coach has confirmed that the midfielder experienced discomfort around a previously injured ligament and that medical examinations were planned to establish the extent of the problem. No definitive diagnosis or recovery timeline had been confirmed at the time of his comments, meaning his availability for Friday’s match remained uncertain. Sundowns will hope the assessments bring positive news as they prepare for a fixture that could determine the direction of their continental campaign. With the first leg ending goalless, the Brazilians must prepare carefully, make effective use of their available squad and deliver a stronger attacking performance to secure progression in the CAF Champions League.