Mamelodi Sundowns completed the signing of AmaZulu FC defender Wandile Dube shortly before the transfer window closed on Monday, FARPost has established.
The 22-year-old has joined the reigning African champions on a permanent three-year deal after Sundowns and AmaZulu reached an agreement.
Dube passed his medical on Monday, clearing the way for the move to be concluded before the deadline. He reported for his first training session with his new teammates on Tuesday, with Sundowns set to formally announce his arrival thereafter.
The reigning African champions have followed the left-footed defender’s progress and regard him as one of the country’s most promising defenders. His signing is viewed as part of the club’s long-term planning rather than an addition for the current campaign.
Usuthu recently exercised an option in Dube’s contract, extending his stay until June 2027. He has yet to get minutes this season, seven games in. Despite freezing him out of the squad, the Durban side also tried to tie him down to a new long-term deal, but negotiations stalled after the parties failed to agree terms.
The situation put AmaZulu under pressure to decide on the defender’s future. Had he remained at the club without signing a new contract, Dube would have been eligible to enter into a pre-contract agreement with another team from January and leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Selling him before the window closed therefore allowed AmaZulu to receive a transfer fee rather than risk losing one of their most valuable young players for nothing. Sundowns took advantage of the contractual impasse and moved swiftly to reach an agreement with the KZN club on deadline day.
WHY SUNDOWNS RATE DUBE HIGHLY
Orlando Pirates had also identified Dube as a potential addition and were eager to secure his services. However, the Buccaneers could not agree on terms with AmaZulu, opening the door for Sundowns to move ahead in the race for the highly rated defender.
Once the two clubs found common ground, Dube underwent his medical late on Monday and put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at Chloorkop for the next three years. Dube’s physical strength, pace and cultured left foot are understood to be among the qualities that impressed Sundowns.
He is comfortable defending in a back four, and his speed allows him to cover space behind the defensive line. His ability on the ball also fits a Sundowns side that prefers its defenders to initiate attacks from deep.
Dube is expected to compete with Khulumani Ndamane as Sundowns continue to build a younger defensive core for the future.
Despite being in the early stages of his top-flight career, the AmaZulu DDC graduate’s potential has already been recognised by AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane.
“Dube has so much potential. He is a rare breed and can become a special player. But we obviously need time,” Zwane previously said.
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