Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has given an insight on the signing of Zuko Mdunyelwa from Chippa United.
Mdunyelwa was announced by Sundowns on Thursday ahead of the second round of the DStv Premiership season. The talented right-wing back signed for Masandawana on a long-term contract.
The 24-year-old defender has been pivotal for Chippa in his three seasons at the club after making 58 appearances in all competitions.
As the January transfer window edges closer, Mdunyelwa becomes the sixth signing for the Brazilians in the 2023/24 campaign.
Sundowns signed Lucas Ribeiro, Thapelo Maseko, Lesiba Nku, Junior Mandieta, and Bathusi Aubaas at the start of the season.
Meanwhile, the Tshwane giants have had an impressive first round of the season after winning 11 games in the league and drawing two in 13 matches played.
Sundowns have already tasted glory on the continent after winning the inaugural African Football League trophy in November. They defeated Moroccan outfit Wydad Casablanca 3-2 on aggregate in the two-legged final.
MOKWENA EXPLAINS THE SIGNING OF MDUNYELWA
With Sundowns welcoming Mdunyelwa in their star-studded squad, Mokwena has explained the thinking behind the acquisition.
“The challenge is that in every other position we’ve got two players except for right-back,” Mokwena said.
“We only have Mudau, we’ve got Thapelo [Morena] but my feeling about Thapelo’s position is completely different.
“I don’t think Thapelo in a way that we play when I envision the team is a right-back. When I look at the team, he doesn’t fit at right-back in my mind.
“So, it’s been very difficult to rest Mudau, so with Zuko, a lot of credit has to go to the scouting department and our sporting director [Flemming Berg] and his assistant.
“Also the technical team in the work they have done in analysing [Mdunyelwa] and the club for securing the talent that is very promising.”
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