Chiefs take on ASSM Elgeco Plus of Madagascar in the CAF Confederation Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium (20h15), without their two right backs. Moleko, who only made one appearance under former coach Giovanni Solinas, has not been registered for the competition, while Mphahlele is out nursing a long-term knee injury he sustained in an Absa Premiership match against Golden Arrows earlier this month.
Cardoso came on as a substitute at right back for Mphahlele in that match, and he believes being versatile is an advantage for him, though he prefers playing in central defence.
“I’m comfortable playing anywhere. 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,” Cardoso told the Amakhosi website.
The former Free State Stars defender added: “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.
Chiefs knocked out Zimamoto in the preliminary round, but it was no walk in the park. After winning the first leg 4-0, they lost the second leg 2-1 on artificial turf in Zanzibar. It was the last straw for Solinas, who parted ways with the club three days later.
“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.”