Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has lifted the lid on the club’s acquisition of former Orlando Pirates defender Deano Van Rooyen.
Cardoso addressed Van Rooyen’s signing following Sundowns’ 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
The Brazilians collected maximum points to overtake Pirates at the top of the league table, moving to 16 points, while the defending champions remain on 13. Bucs sat out this weekend’s league action due to an assignment in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.
Meanwhile, Masandawana made a major announcement about Van Rooyen’s arrival shortly before kickoff against Arrows.
The highly-rated right-back joins the African champions on a free transfer after parting ways with the Sea Robbers over a week ago. The 29-year-old left Pirates after the two parties reached an agreement to terminate the contract by mutual consent.
Van Rooyen has wasted no time in starting his next chapter after signing for Sundowns, who are thin at right-back following the long-term injury to Khuliso Mudau.
WHAT CARDOSO SAID ABOUT DEANO VAN ROOYEN SIGNING
Portuguese mentor Cardoso has reacted to Van Rooyen’s transfer, admitting it addresses the issues they have on the right side of defence.
“I knew that there were movements in trying to go for him [Deano Van Rooyen], because there was an immediate crisis after Zuko [Mdunyelwa] had to come out of the previous match, but today he was on the bench,” Cardoso said.
“I didn’t know the extent of that injury, and I will repeat, I trust my players, and I hope that Mudau will come back and maybe surprise us to recover quicker.
“We have Thapelo Morena, we have Zuko, and now we have brought Deano. Obviously, he’s coming to help; he’s an experienced player, and let’s see what he can give us.
“Let’s hope that he will embrace us, and we also embrace him and will try to do everything to make sure that he makes us better, like all the other players that are here.”
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