Why Mamelodi Sundowns moved for AmaZulu defender Wandile Dube

Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to sign AmaZulu defender Wandile Dube on PSL deadline day was driven by the 22-year-old’s rare combination of left-footed ability, physical strength and technical quality, according to AmaZulu Head of Football Strategy Sinesipho Mali.

The move surprised many because Dube had not played for AmaZulu so far this season. However, Mali has explained why the Brazilians made the centre-back the final addition to their recruitment during the previous transfer window.

Speaking to journalists at the University of Pretoria, Mali praised Sundowns’ expanding scouting department for identifying a player with a distinctive profile.

“He’s a very good left-footed centre-back and you are right, the growing scouting department of the club deserves some credit, it’s still going to grow, expect us to grow in that department,” Mali said.

“But yeah, Wandi is a left-footed centre-back, which is rare to find. It’s rare to find a balance within a player with a great physical profile and highly technical, in terms of being able to play.”

Left-footed defenders in short supply

Mali, who previously worked as Head of Performance Analysis at SAFA, said Dube’s left-footedness was particularly significant because of how uncommon that quality is among defenders in the domestic game.

“And you have to understand, when you look generally in the PSL, 70 percent of the PSL (teams) play right-footed centre-backs. So that talks to the scarcity of left-footed centre-backs.”

He also said Bafana had faced similar difficulties when trying to identify suitable left-footed central defenders, before Rushwin Dortley emerged as an option.

“At Bafana we struggled to find left-footed centre-backs for the longest time until we got Rushwin (Dortley), so that talks to the scarcity,” Mali added.

He believes the value of Dube’s profile is increased by his ability to combine his preferred foot with the physical and technical attributes required by a possession-focused team.

“So left-footed centre-backs are rare, especially those who have this great balance, right physical profile, highly-technical, for a team that wants to be possession-based.”

Mali said Dube’s defensive qualities would ultimately determine whether he succeeds at Mamelodi Sundowns, who are managed by Miguel Cardoso and play their home matches at Chloorkop.

“But most importantly, has the ability to defend, right? Because that’s the primary job of a defender, great aerial ability. I really think he will fit their game model very well and for us we’re very clear, we’ve got a big pool of talent,” he concluded.