Vuyo Mere welcomes Mamelodi Sundowns’ fierce right-back competition

Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Vuyo Mere says the club’s decision to assemble five high-quality right-backs reflects its long-standing approach of signing the best available talent.

Thabang Matuludi and Deano van Rooyen joined Sundowns before the campaign, adding to a group that already included Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena and Zuko Mdunyelwa.

The competition has developed across both club and national-team football. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso currently has Bafana Bafana defenders Khulumani Ndamane, Matuludi and Morena in his squad, while Mudau, Van Rooyen and Mdunyelwa are also competing for opportunities at right-back.

Mudau’s injury initially left Morena as the expected replacement, with Mdunyelwa providing cover. But when Morena suffered a short-term injury, Sundowns moved quickly to sign Van Rooyen as a free agent after he had parted ways with Orlando Pirates. The club subsequently brought in Matuludi as well.

That led to criticism from some observers, who described the double signing as panic buying and questioned whether both players were necessary. Sundowns, however, are competing in multiple domestic, continental and international tournaments.

Mere, who occupied the right-back position for Sundowns for several years before playing for other clubs and eventually retiring, believes the competition is consistent with the club’s identity.

“It’s been the culture at Mamelodi Sundowns to sign quality players,” Mere told IOL Sport in an exclusive interview. “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 has also affected Bafana Bafana’s selection. Orlando Pirates’ Kamogelo Sebelebele has moved into the starting right-back role, with Matuludi acting as cover, while Morena continues to be used as a versatile utility player.

When Mudau returns to full fitness, the contest for starting places at Sundowns and with the national team is likely to become even more competitive. Mere said the rivalry must remain respectful and free from unnecessary conflict.

“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.

“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.”