Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Vuyo Mere said he is not surprised that the club has five right-backs competing for one position. He said signing top players has long been the Sundowns way.
Sundowns signed Thabang Matuludi and Deano van Rooyen before the season. They joined Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena and Zuko Mdunyelwa, who were already at the Chloorkop club.
“It’s been the culture at Mamelodi Sundowns to sign quality players,” Mere said in an exclusive interview with IOL Sport. “They don’t wait for a player to lose form; they always have quality options.”
Mudau, the first choice in the position, is out injured. Morena was expected to replace him, with Mdunyelwa as back-up.
Morena then picked up a short injury of his own. Sundowns signed Van Rooyen as a free agent after he left Orlando Pirates, and later added Matuludi as well.
Some critics said the club was panic buying by signing both players. They argued the extra defenders were not needed, even though Sundowns play in local, continental and international competitions.
Mere played at right-back for Sundowns for years. He later moved to other clubs before he retired.
“We know the quality of Mdunyelwa and Morena. We know that Khuliso Mudau won’t be available for some time. They’ve got Van Rooyen as well, who’s a quality player… it’s good competition,” Mere said.
The battle also affects the national team. With Mudau out, Orlando Pirates player Kamogelo Sebelebele became the starting right-back for Bafana Bafana, with Matuludi as cover.
Morena is still used by Sundowns as a player who can fill several positions. The fight for places at club and national level is set to get tougher once Mudau is fully fit.
Mere said he hopes the players keep their rivalry friendly. “I think we need to understand that all coaches have their preferred players,” he said.
“If you focus on what people think or try to impress others, you end up entertaining talks of clashes with teammates, which is completely unprofessional,” Mere said.
He pointed to Morena and Mudau, who have played for the same club and were both picked for the national team. He also named Ricardo Goss and Ronwen Williams, who compete for the same position at club and national level.
“They maintain a great relationship, and that comes down to having a good heart. It comes with the game,” Mere said.
He also had a message for young players. “As a professional football player, stay humble and wish the best for others,” Mere said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.