Following his official unveiling as a Mamelodi Sundowns player in the January transfer window, Zuko Mdunyelwa has offered his initial thoughts on joining the reigning DStv Premiership champions.
Mdunyelwa was the Tshwane giants’ first signing in January, and the defender joins the club from another DStv Premiership side, Chippa United.
The talented right-back joined the Chilli Boys ahead of the 2021/22 campaign from Cape Umoya United before catching the eye of Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.
The 22-year-old brings international experience to the team following his stint with the SA Under-23 national team.
At his previous club, Chippa, the defender was a key player in the team. This season, he had made 14 appearances in all competitions and registered an assist.
With the Tshwane giants, the fullback has a lot of work to do to ensure he becomes a regular in the starting line-up. He faces stiff competition from Bafana Bafana duo Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena.
The two Bafana Bafana stars have been exceptional and have provided consistent performances each time they’re on the field of play.
ZUKO MDUNYELWA OPENS UP OF JOINING MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
“I feel very honoured to be invited or to be asked to join one of the best clubs in Africa,” Mdunyelwa told SundownsTV.
“The guys were very welcoming, loving and caring. I believe 80 per cent of them were once in my shoes, where it was their first day here. They had fun, too, so they welcomed me with love and care.”
Mdunyelwa further expressed his desire to win two trophies with the club. The Chloorkop-based outfit has already lifted the inaugural African Football League this season.
“I want to win the league, and I want to win the CAF Champions League,” he concluded.
Mdunyelwa may make his first competitive debut for the club in the league on Wednesday, 14 February against Golden Arrows. This will be after the conclusion of the ongoing 2023 AFCON finals in Ivory Coast.
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