It is still a dream – Cardoso
It is still a dream – Cardoso

Posted in News, Team News on Dec 14, 2018.

Life under Ernst Middendorp got off to the best possible start with a 1-0 win over SuperSport United  on 12 December at Mbombela Stadium. Daniel Cardoso and Mario Booysen were Middendorp’s chosen centre-back pairing.

Daniel Cardoso’s first official outing for Kaizer Chiefs was a 2-1 win over SuperSport United on 20 February 2016. What is significant about that match is the Cardoso came on as a second half substitute for Siboniso Gaxa and played at right-back.

Of the players who were in the 18-man squad that day, only Erick Mathoho, Bernard Parker, Willard Katsande, Cardoso himself and last night’s goal hero George Maluleka remain. Interestingly enough, Cardoso’s centre-back partner yesterday, Mario Booysen, was in the blue of SuperSport United that night in February 2016.

Given the injuries in the team at the moment and a few players not being registered for CAF competition, Cardoso may find himself playing at right back again when Chiefs host Elgeco Plus of Madagascar in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first round on Saturday, 15 December.

“I’m comfortable playing anywhere,” comments Cardoso. “It’s a good thing that I’m very versatile although I’m most comfortable at centre-back because I enjoy challenging in the air for balls and commanding centrally from the back.

“Coming into this weekend’s game, it’s unfortunate that Kgotso Moleko is not registered. It’s a big blow for us because he’s a natural right-back and he’s got the steam to go up and down the line but I am comfortable playing at right-back,” added the defender.

Cardoso gave his current assessment of Chiefs’ CAF Confederation Cup campaign so far and more specifically the mixed bag of results against Zanzibar’s Zimamoto, especially the 2-1 defeat on the road after winning the home leg 4-0.

“The playing conditions played a big role, the humidity there was insane. Playing in Africa is always tough as the conditions aren’t always favourable, so it is always important to get off to a good start at home,” analysed Cardoso.

Cardoso mentioned that it felt like a dream to don the Gold & Black after his debut against SuperSport United. “Being in a team like Kaizer Chiefs is always a dream for any young footballer and any footballer in the Absa Premiership.”

Kaizer Chiefs will switch their focus to continental competition when they host Madagascar’s Elgeco Plus at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 15 December 2018. Kick-off is at 20:15.

Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers at R60 for adults and R15 for children under the age of 12.

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