As the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season approaches its tail end, the future of one of Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeepers has been revealed.
Sundowns have arguably the strongest goalkeeping department in the league, boosting of Ronwen Williams, Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse and Jody February.
They also have Ricardo Goss, who is on loan at SuperSport United, and Ugandan goalkeeper Ismail Watenga. Watenga is on a loan spell at Golden Arrows, but his return to the Tshwane giants is in doubt. He joined Sundowns on a free transfer in 2020.
Meanwhile, Williams has already extended his contract with Masandawana. The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper signed a new four-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2028 as a Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper.
Moreso, Onyango, one of the most successful goalkeepers in the league, is reportedly nearing the end of his illustrious career.
The former Uganda Cranes captain, who turns 39 on Wednesday, has reportedly hinted at potential retirement. Onyango wants to hang his boots after the current season and let the club cement its future plans.
Onyango’s departure could coincide with the return of Goss from SuperSport United where he has been sterling.
Reyaad PIETERSE STAYING PUT AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
While this will bring more stiff competition to the other goalkeepers, Reyaad Pieterse and Jody February, it has emerged Pieterse will remain at the club despite little game time.
Pieterse is Sundowns’ current third-choice keeper. He has featured only twice this season. Nevertheless, FARPost sources have revealed that Pieterse is staying put at the club despite not getting much game time.
Having joined the serial DStv Premiership champions in August 2018, he has only played 21 games for the club. Pieterse last played on 27 September 2023, when they beat Stellenbosch 3-1.
“He is likely to stay at the club despite the lack of game time. I understand they are monitoring the situation at the moment to see what is best for him,” the source said.
In addition, more changes are expected with the return of Ricardo Goss from his loan stint. Goss has done well as Williams’ competitor in the Bafana Bafana set-up.
How the goalkeeping department will look like next season remains to be seen. And then, Rulani Mokwena will definitely be spoiled for choice in the next DStv Premiership season.
Next season, they will likely be without Onyango, who is set for retirement and Watenga, whose return from loan is doubtful.
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