Mamelodi Sundowns signs Tabanga Matuludi, creating a dilemma for national team selection

Midfielder Thabo Cele has officially joined Mamelodi Sundowns after his contract termination with Kaizer Chiefs.

Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed the transfer of Cele, who left Kaizer Chiefs. This move came after head coach Fernando da Cruz excluded the 29-year-old player from his plans early in his time with the team. Despite Cele showing strong performances for the club over a year and a half, reports emerged that his departure was linked to disagreements with the club's management regarding the team's development direction.

Nevertheless, Cele's experience, including a successful spell in Portugal, should significantly strengthen Mamelodi Sundowns' midfield. In a video released by the club to announce his arrival, Cele expressed excitement about joining the Brazilian side, saying: «Hello. Yeah, sure, singifikile [I have arrived]».

The arriving player will provide serious competition and replace Tebogo Mokokeng, who carries a heavy load in both domestic and continental tournaments. As Sundowns aims to remain competitive in all areas, including the Intercontinental Cup after winning the CAF Champions League, the club is taking active steps to improve the quality of its squad.

This transfer also helps address issues of fatigue and injuries among Sundowns players, as a significant portion of their squad forms the core of the South African national team. Cele is Sundowns' second major acquisition this week, following the arrival of defender Deano van Ruyen. Furthermore, the club is expected to announce the signing of right-back Tabanga Matuludi from Polokwane City to replace injured Huliso Mudau.

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso noted that his success in Chloorkop is due to mutual agreement with the club management, but he remains silent regarding possible new acquisitions.

Cardoso stated that his long-term success and achievements at Mamelodi Sundowns are linked to the alignment of the coach's and the management's plans. He emphasized that the club will continue to strengthen the squad if necessary.

Currently, Cardoso is in his third season and second full playing season in Chloorkop after arriving from Esperance two years ago. Since his arrival, he has achieved significant success, winning the Betway Premiership title and, more importantly, the CAF Champions Cup.

Before his arrival, the team had an unimpressive track record, and many did not expect him to fulfill his tasks, assuming an early dismissal. Nevertheless, the Portuguese coach refuted skeptics and completely justified expectations.

Sundowns are on a trajectory to reclaim the Betway Premiership title after losing it to Orlando Pirates last season. Furthermore, they could overcome the domestic trophy drought if they beat Pirates in the MTN8 final on October 10th at a yet-to-be-determined PSL stadium.

Cardoso remarked: 'When the coach's plans align with the club's resources, everything becomes easier.' He also added: 'The mentality of the people managing the club is also important. They know that one loss does not mean you cannot win consistently.'

The club continues to support Cardoso in the transfer market. Reports suggest the team is close to signing right-back Tabanga Matuludi from Polokwane City to replace Huliso Mudau, who was sidelined for most of the season due to injury. When asked about the potential transfer, Cardoso remained evasive.

He replied: 'You know more than I do. You are going to accuse me of lacking information. You tell me about the next player who will be announced, but I cannot answer this question. You sound more confident than I am. I don't know who you are talking to—you should tell me!'

He continued: 'Actually, I don't have that situation. So I don't know. I can only talk about things I can control. When the player is officially announced, we can discuss everything. But until then, I don't know. I also don't want to delve into the club's process. If it happens, we'll see.'

The club has already confirmed the signing of right-back Deano van Rooyen from Orlando Pirates to bolster the defense following Mudau's issue. Cardoso highlighted the versatility and quick adaptation of the former Buccaneers captain to the team.

The coach noted: 'He will definitely become what we want from this position over time.' He added that Van Rooyen is 'versatile and smart, has a lot of experience. He will quickly understand everything we require of him. He was in the camp with the team and trained in the morning to integrate into the group as quickly as possible.'

After leaving Orlando Pirates, Deano van Ruyen joined Tebogo Mokone at Mamalodi Sundowns to strengthen the squad at right-back following injuries to Zuko Mdunyelwa and Huliso Mudau.

Mamalodi Sundowns quickly reinforced its right flank by signing former Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Ruyen, due to the injury crisis in that position. Van Ruyen was officially presented by the Masandawana club on Sunday afternoon, shortly before the team defeated Golden Arrows 2-1 at King Zwelinatini Stadium.

The 'Brazilians' accelerated their search for this defender after starting right-back Huliso Mudau suffered a long-term Achilles tendon injury, and Zuko Mdunyelwa also faced health issues. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stated that van Ruyen had already been on the list of options after Mdunyelwa's problem, although he remains hopeful for Mudau's quick return.

Cardoso told the media after the match: 'I knew there were attempts to sign him (Deano van Ruyen), because immediately after Zuko (Mdunyelwa) was forced off the field in the previous match, a crisis arose, but today (Sunday) he was on the bench.' He continued: 'I didn't know the full extent of this injury – and I repeat, I trust my players, and I hope Mudau returns and perhaps surprises us by recovering faster. We have Tapelo Morena, we have Zuko, and now we have brought in Deano. Obviously, he came to help. He is an experienced player, and we will see what he gives us.'

Initially, Sundowns intended to acquire right-back Tabanga Matuludi from Polokwane City, but the Limpopo club allegedly declined offers for this high-caliber defender. This prompted the champions to look at van Ruyen, who brings significant top-flight experience in the Chulcrop league.

The 28-year-old footballer spent eight years in Stellenbosch, where he also captained the team for two seasons, before moving to Pirates in 2024. He played 51 matches for 'Buckaneers' before transferring to Sundowns. Cardoso now expects van Ruyen to adapt quickly and provide necessary squad depth while Sundowns manages a demanding schedule with key defenders on the injury list. For the team, this acquisition is aimed not so much at adding another big name, but at solving a sudden problem on the right flank.