Miguel Cardoso explains Mamelodi Sundowns’ move for former Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen

Mamelodi Sundowns moved swiftly to sign former Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen after injuries left the South African champions short of options at right-back.

The 28-year-old was officially unveiled by Sundowns on Sunday afternoon, shortly before the club secured a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium.

Sundowns accelerated their pursuit of Van Rooyen after first-choice right-back Khuliso Mudau suffered a long-term Achilles tendon injury. Zuko Mdunyelwa has also been struggling with an injury, creating an immediate shortage in the position.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso said Van Rooyen had been identified as a possible signing after Mdunyelwa was forced off in the previous match. However, Cardoso remains hopeful that Mudau could return sooner than expected.

“I knew that there were movements in trying to go for him (Deano Van Rooyen), because there was an immediate crisis after Zuko (Mdunyelwa) had to come off in the previous match, but today (Sunday) he was on the bench,” Cardoso told the media after the game.

“I didn’t know the extent of that injury – and I will repeat – I trust my players, and I hope that Mudau will come back and maybe surprise us to recover quicker. We have Thapelo Morena, we have Zuko, and now we have brought Deano. Obviously, he’s coming to help. He is an experienced player, and let’s see what he can give us.”

Van Rooyen was not Sundowns’ first choice during their search for defensive cover. The club had initially targeted Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi, but the Limpopo-based side reportedly declined to entertain offers for the highly rated defender.

That prompted the champions to switch their focus to Van Rooyen, who brings considerable experience of South African top-flight football to Chloorkop.

Van Rooyen spent eight years with Stellenbosch and captained the club for two seasons. He left for Orlando Pirates in 2024 and went on to make 51 appearances for the Buccaneers before completing his move to Sundowns.

His arrival gives Cardoso another option alongside Thapelo Morena and Mdunyelwa while Sundowns manage a demanding schedule with important defenders unavailable.

For the champions, the signing is primarily a response to a sudden problem rather than an attempt to add another high-profile name to an already strong squad. Cardoso will now hope Van Rooyen can adapt quickly and provide reliable cover at right-back as Sundowns continue their campaign.