Wandile Dube backs himself to earn Mamelodi Sundowns place

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Wandile Dube says he is confident of proving his doubters wrong after joining the club on deadline day.

The 22-year-old centre-back moved to the Tshwane giants during the recent transfer window as Mamelodi Sundowns strengthened their defensive options for a season involving several major competitions.

Dube has yet to make his debut for the Brazilians, but could be given an opportunity as the campaign progresses and head coach Miguel Cardoso rotates his squad.

The defender, however, is not concerned by suggestions that competition within the squad could limit his playing time. He said he chose to join Mamelodi Sundowns because he trusted his own ability and believed he could establish himself in the team.

“That is not even on my mind because people are like that, they don’t want to believe in people,” Dube said on Prime Time Sports on Ukhozi FM, in comments translated from Zulu.

“Having taken this decision, I sat down and thought I mustn’t listen to what people say.

“I thought I was going to be able to get game time because I know myself.”

Dube also asked Mamelodi Sundowns supporters to remain patient while waiting for his chance, promising to demonstrate why the club signed him.

“To the supporters, I’d like to encourage them to continue supporting us and also they must wait and expect me to get my chance,” he said.

“I will also show why the club brought me, I will show them, I promise to make them happy.”