Why Cape Town City star Rhodes opted for SV Ried transfer over Sundowns

Jaedin Rhodes in action for Cape Town City

Cape Town City FC midfielder Jaedin Rhodes has reportedly chosen SV Ried over Mamelodi Sundowns as he edges closer to completing a move to the Austrian Bundesliga side.

As recently reported by FARPost, the 23-year-old is leaving the Citizens, the only club he has known in his professional career, having been promoted from their reserve side during the 2021/22 season. He joins SV Riedโ€”who are home to former Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart and recently lost Antonio van Wyk to Mamelodi Sundowns.”

This publication understands that the Brazilians made enquiries about Rhodes, but the player opted for an overseas transfer, which has been his priority since turning professional. Before CT City were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns were interested in the attacking midfielder who is also at home on either wing.

But Masandawana returned to the Mother City to inquire about the player, who ultimately felt his interests were best served by launching his career in Europe. A two-year contract, with an option to extend for a further season, has now been agreed upon between Rhodes and SV Ried.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS ON JAEDEN RHODES AT SV RIED AFTER VAN WYK’S EXPLOITSย 

Jaedin Rhodes in action for Cape Town City
Jaedin Rhodes: Picture by Cape Town City

The Bundesliga outfit will be Rhodes’ second club in his professional career. He is set to arrive in Austria, shouldering heavy expectations to match or surpass the competitive standard set by Van Wyk, whom he replaces.ย 

That might also help him break into the Bafana Bafana squad, although South Africans at SV Ried have struggled to catch the attention of national team selectors despite their good performances in Austria.ย 

Rhodes was a regular for Cape Town City last season as they narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Betway Premiership. After finishing as Motsepe Foundation championship runners-up to Kruger United, the Citizens went on to take part in the PSL Promotional/Relegation play-offs.

But they managed just two wins, a draw and a defeat to fail in their final chance of returning to the top-flight league. Rhodes was a regular in the playoffs, which were his final dance with CT City.ย 

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