After their CAF Champions League match against Wiliete, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso gave a cautiously optimistic report on Ronwen Williams' fitness. However, he did admit that the club is still waiting to determine the severity of Teboho Mokoena's injury.

The South African champions were held scoreless in Sunday's preliminary-round first leg by the Angolan side, but Cardoso was more concerned about other matters. Williams was unable to participate in the match due to discomfort she experienced as a result of training-related contact, and Mokoena was substituted due to a knock.

As Sundowns embarked on their continental campaign, Ricardo Goss started in goal for Williams. On the other hand, Cardoso said that the goalkeeper's injury won't keep him out for long.

Williams felt some pain during training, so the technical staff didn't want to jeopardize his fitness level needlessly, according to the coach.

Ronnie should not be a major focus, Cardoso stated via the club's press office.

"He had a minor injury during training that caused him some discomfort, but we had to protect him from anything that could be more dangerous or aggressive in the future."

Sundowns fans can take heart from the news, even though the coach has not yet announced a specific return date for Williams.

Concerning Mokoena, less certainty persists. According to Cardoso, the midfielder was experiencing pain around a ligament that had been an issue for him while playing for his country. Exactly how bad the most recent issue was was still a mystery to the club.

"That ligament that hurt on the national team? It's just a little touch, Teboho. Currently, the severity of the injury is unknown, but Cardoso expressed his hope that it was not a major setback and that the team would be able to recover in time for the next match.

The coach further admitted that his team might have struggled under the added pressure of starting a new season as champions. He said that the team's younger members benefit from the wisdom of veterans like Williams and Mokoena.

Now Sundowns must prepare for Friday's pivotal return match against Wiliete at Loftus Versfeld. After a scoreless first leg, the Pretoria side must win at home to go to the group stage of the Champions League.

As Cardoso gets his squad ready for the championship match, Williams' and Mokoena's availability may thus become a major factor.

Source: https://x.com/soccer_laduma/status/2112238661668426044?s=46