Mamelodi Sundowns are set to decide on the future of one of their defenders, Zuko Mdunyelwa, as the January transfer window edges closer.
Mdunyelwa has struggled to break into the Sundowns matchday squad since the start of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
The talented right-back joined Sundowns in January 2023 from Chippa United under the then-head coach Rulani Mokwena.
Mdunyelwa was signed alongside Thembinkosi Lorch, Tashreeq Matthews, and Matias Esquivel. The latter was loaned to Club Atlético Talleres in July 2024.
In the current campaign, Mdunyelwa has only managed to play three matches across all competitions. The 25-year-old has one start in the CAF Champions League and came on as a second-half substitute in two league matches.
Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena have been preferred to share the responsibilities at the right-back position. Mudau has played 15 matches for Downs and scored two goals, while Morena has 16 games and one goal under his name this season.
Meanwhile, Masandawana have recently made changes in their coaching department and fired Manqoba Mngqithi who Miguel Cardoso has replaced.
SUNDOWNS DISCUSSING LOAN MOVE FOR ZUKO MDUNYELWA
The change in coaching personnel has reportedly pushed Mdunyelwa further down the pecking order. This publication has been led to believe that Zuko Mdunyelwa could be sent out on loan to search game-time elsewhere.
“Zuko Mdunyelwa is one of the names that are currently discussed as players who could go out on loan. I mean, the new coach, Miguel Cardoso, has publicly raised concerns about working with a big squad,” a source told FARPost.
“So the coach would probably look to downsize the squad at Sundowns, and I can tell you that Mdunyelwa if all goes well, could leave in the upcoming transfer window. It’s very difficult for Zuko to bench Morena and Mudau.
“At this point, it’s still unclear which team he’ll go to if the loan move happens, but Zuko is a very talented player who won’t be short of options.”
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