Miguel Cardoso opens up on Deano van Rooyen signing

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up on the signing of right-back Deano van Rooyen, who recently parted ways with rivals Orlando Pirates via mutual agreement.

The 29-year-old defender ended a two-year association with the Buccaneers in search of ample game after dropping down the pecking order upon the arrival of Abdeslam Ouaddou, who prefers Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Now, the player has signed for the African champions on a free transfer amid a long-term injury sustained by Khuliso Mudau, who ruptured his Achilles tendon against Marumo Gallants last month.

The Sundowns boss has welcomed the stop-gap addition at right-back, as the injury setback had left the Brazilians with only Zuko Mdunyelwa and utility player Thapelo Morena as cover on the right side of the defence.

“I knew that there were movements eventually on trying to go for him. But it's also interesting because there was immediately a crisis after Zuko had to come out from the previous match and today [vs Golden Arrows] Zuko was on the bench,” said Cardoso.

"I spoke after the press conference that I didn't know the extent of that injury, and I will repeat, I trust my players. I hope Mudau will come back obviously healthy and not less, but I hope he can even suprise us and why not make it quicker.

"But I just hope he comes back well. We have Zuko, we have Morena, and now we bring Deano who obviously comes to help, experienced player, let's see what he can give us.

"Let's hope he comes in there and he will for sure embrace us. We will embrace him and we will try to obviously bring everything he can give so that he can make us better like all the other ones that are here.

Sundowns, meanwhile, swing back to action with a Betway Premiership encounter against embattled Siwelele FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday, with the Bloemfontein-based outfit in search of their first win of the 2026/27 campaign.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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