THE FUSE

Bathusi Aubaas received his first taste of action in 2026 for Mamelodi Sundowns in an unfamiliar role as the club booked a place in the Nedbank Cup last 16. The versatile midfielder featured at right back during the last 32 clash against Gomora United at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday evening. It was his first appearance since the Africa Cup of Nations and came after head coach Miguel Cardoso signaled his intent to support the player’s ambitions of making the Bafana Bafana squad for the FIFA World Cup. The match ended in a 2 to 1 victory for Sundowns, keeping their knockout hopes alive. Aubaas played the opening 45 minutes before being withdrawn at halftime.

Cardoso had earlier explained that Aubaas would be given opportunities to regain match sharpness after a spell out of the team. Against Gomora United, the former TS Galaxy midfielder operated on the right side of defence and was encouraged to push forward. He delivered several crosses into the box and showed positional discipline despite the role being outside his comfort zone. The attackers failed to convert those deliveries due to a lack of numbers in advanced areas. Even so, Aubaas handled the tactical task with composure and energy.

At the start of the second half, Cardoso introduced Thapelo Morena in place of Aubaas, a substitution that proved decisive. Morena went on to score the winning goal and swung the momentum firmly in Sundowns’ favour. The coach later explained that the change was tactical rather than a reflection of poor performance. He emphasized that Aubaas had executed instructions well despite being asked to perform a demanding role. Cardoso also highlighted moments where the team inverted Aubaas into midfield to improve ball circulation and attacking flow.

Cardoso acknowledged that Aubaas does not offer the same one on one threat as a natural full back like Morena. He explained that the tactical plan relied on quick switches of play and accurate service into the final third. Aubaas delivered multiple quality balls from the right, but Sundowns lacked sufficient presence in the box to capitalize. The coach stressed that being substituted does not always reflect negatively on a player’s performance. He confirmed that he reassured Aubaas after the match and praised his willingness to adapt.

With progression secured in the Nedbank Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns now shift focus to continental competition. The team is set to travel to the DR Congo on Friday ahead of their CAF Champions League Group C clash against St Eloi Lupopo on Sunday. Cardoso will look to manage his squad carefully as fixtures begin to pile up. For Aubaas, the appearance marks an important step toward regaining rhythm and staying in contention for national team selection. His versatility and attitude may yet prove valuable as the season enters a decisive phase.