Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has told new signing Jayden Adams that he will have to prove that he deserves a place in the team if he has to play.
Adamds completed his move from Stellenbosch to Sundowns last week, adding further depth to the midfield, but he faces competition from the likes of Sphelele Mkhulise, Marcello Allende, Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas.
With such quality in depth, Cardoso admits he cannot guarantee the new signing a starting place but his application and ambition will make the difference.
Will Adams walk into the starting XI?
“It is normal that the club will be open to see if there are opportunities in the market to see if it can make us stronger but we really know our players and any player that enters this group has to prove himself,” said Cardoso.
“It is for Jayden and for anyone else. We will not give gifts to anyone, they will have to arrive, show if they are better than our players and then we will see. It is about daily basis work.
“So, Jayden and anyone who will join the group, will have to prove himself in front of the others, myself and my staff and in front of the club.”
The Portuguese coach says he has already told Adams what he expects from him but the player’s attitude will determine if he is among the starting XI regularly.
Cardoso has high hopes in new signings
“Obviously when we take a player, I had the chance to explain to him what we expect, that they dream high and put their dreams and objectives on the table and work hard for them,” he added.
“If that happens, everybody will help us for sure because we are open to analyse but also discuss the performances on a daily basis and the players that perform better are the ones that go on the pitch.”
Cardoso, however, feels there will not be a need for a big fight for places in the team as Sundowns have many matches to play, given they are chasing the PSL title, CAF Champions League and will also begin their Nedbank Cup campaign this weekend.
“Anyway, we have a lot of competitions, we have expectations from the players that will eventually join the club and from us, it is to give them the adaptation on the group, take the best from them and eventually profit from what they add to the group,” said the former Esperance coach.
