Sphelele Mkhulise embodies the true identity of Mamelodi Sundowns

Mkhulise has now featured in two consecutive Betway Premiership matches — a positive sign for a player who has endured limited minutes in recent seasons. The 29-year-old came off the bench in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Loftus Stadium, adding composure and creativity in midfield during the closing stages.

He also featured for the final 11 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates last weekend, with Cardoso explaining why the versatile midfielder remains integral to his plans despite the fierce competition for places.

"Pitso (Mkhulise) is a player we believe represents the identity of the club," said Cardoso after the match was quoted by Soccer Laduma.

"He brings control and calmness to our play. In the Pirates game, we needed that composure in the final stages. Against Galaxy, Nuno (Santos) was feeling a bit of pain in his legs, so I wanted to protect him and use Mkhulise to maintain our rhythm and avoid injuries."

Mkhulise, once linked with a move away from Chloorkop, made just 23 appearances in a marathon season last year as Sundowns competed across multiple fronts, including the FIFA Club World Cup.

This season, he has featured four times — once as a starter — but Cardoso's words suggest a renewed trust and potential for more involvement.

Sundowns' narrow win over Galaxy extended their lead at the top of the Premiership standings to three points, with Mkhulise's growing influence hinting that his patience and persistence may finally be paying off.