Cardoso backs Deano Van Rooyen to strengthen Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes new signing Deano Van Rooyen can give his team an important boost after joining the club on a free transfer from Orlando Pirates.

The right-back completed his move during the current transfer window, arriving at Sundowns at a time when the Brazilians are dealing with a major defensive setback. Regular right-back Khuliso Mudau is expected to be out for six months because of injury, increasing the need for additional cover in the position.

Cardoso welcomed Van Rooyen’s arrival and said the experienced defender would be given the opportunity to show how he can improve the squad. The Portuguese coach also said he hoped Mudau could return sooner than expected, although he stressed that the priority was for the player to recover properly.

“It’s also interesting because there was immediately a crisis after Zuko [Mdunyelwa] had to come out from the previous match. And today Zuko was on the bench,” said Cardoso.

The Sundowns manager explained that he had initially been unaware of the full extent of the injury situation after his previous media conference.

“I spoke after the press conference. I didn’t know the extension of that injury. And I will repeat, I trust my players.

“I hope Mudau will come back, obviously in half a year, if not less. But I hope he can even surprise us. But I just hope him to come well.

“We have Zuko, we have [Thapelo] Morena. And now we bring in Deano, that obviously comes to help, experienced player.

“Let’s see what he can give us. Let’s hope he comes in and he will for sure embrace us. We will embrace him.

“And we will try to bring everything he can give so that he can make us better. Like all the other ones that are here.”

Van Rooyen’s arrival provides Sundowns with another option at right-back alongside Mdunyelwa and Thapelo Morena. Cardoso indicated that the club would seek to make full use of the qualities within its squad while Van Rooyen adapts to his new surroundings.

Mudau remains a key part of Sundowns’ plans, but Cardoso said the immediate focus was on ensuring the defender made a complete recovery before returning to competitive action. His absence has created an opening for the new signing to compete for a place in the side.

Sundowns will next be in action on Wednesday, when they host struggling Siwelele FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The fixture will provide Van Rooyen with a chance to begin his involvement with the club as Cardoso’s side looks to manage its defensive options during Mudau’s absence.