MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Mihlali Baleka|Published
Mamelodi Sundowns continued their culture of acquiring the top talent on the market, which is why club legend Vuyo Mere is not surprised to see five quality right-backs competing for the same position at Chloorkop.
Thabang Matuludi and Deano van Rooyen signed for Sundowns ahead of the campaign, bolstering a position that already features Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, and Zuko Mdunyelwa.
With primary starter Mudau sidelined with an injury, Morena was expected to fill the void with Mdunyelwa providing depth. However, a short-term injury to Morena prompted Sundowns to open the chequebook to sign free agent Van Rooyen – who had parted ways with Pirates – before also bringing Matuludi on board.
Some critics argued the club engaged in panic buying by securing both Van Rooyen and Matuludi, claiming both were not needed despite Sundowns competing across multiple domestic, continental, and international tournaments.
Mere, who held down the right-back slot for Sundowns for years before moving on to other clubs and eventually hanging up his boots, weighed in on the seemingly crowded position.
“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. It’s nothing new to see that they have a number of players competing for the same position.
“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.”
Mudau’s absence from action elevated Orlando Pirates’ Kamogelo Sebelebele to the Bafana Bafana starting right-back role, with Matuludi serving as cover. Morena, meanwhile, continues to be utilised as a versatile utility option.
Once Mudau returns to full fitness, the battle for starting spots at both club and national level is set to intensify. However, Mere hopes the rivalry remains healthy and grounded in camaraderie.
“I think we need to understand that all coaches have their preferred players,” Mere 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.
“We have seen Thapelo Morena and Khuliso Mudau playing for the same team and both getting selected for the national team. We have Ricardo Goss and Ronwen Williams competing 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.
“If you open your heart and wish others well, good things will always come back to you. It’s a message that should go out to the youngsters: as a professional football player, stay humble and wish the best for others.”