Sundowns copying Kaizer Chiefs transfer script with latest moves

Mamelodi Sundowns have always been big spenders in the transfer market but their latest moves follow something that has been perfected by Kaizer Chiefs.

In their last two signings, Sundowns have announced the capture of right-back Deano van Rooyen and Thabo Cele, both signed as free agents.

Thabo Cele has been unveiled by Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Van Rooyen had been released by Orlando Pirates after falling out of favour under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou while Cele was also deemed surplus to requirements at Chiefs, who terminated his contract on Tuesday.

The two players therefore could be considered ‘not good enough’ and signing ‘rejects’ is not something Sundowns are known for.

Free agent market exploited by Kaizer Chiefs

Deano van Rooyen after joining Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Over the years, Sundowns have outspent their Premier Soccer League (PSL) rivals, shelling out large sums on top talents from South Africa, Europe and South America, but the free agent market is not an area they have been exploiting.

However, this season, they seem to have taken cue from Kaizer Chiefs. Among the PSL’s so-called ‘Big Three,’ Chiefs are known for snapping up free agents and is a game they have played well, saving them huge sums in transfer fees, but also led to criticism.

Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr and new signing Thabo Moloisane. — Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr and new signing Thabo Moloisane who arrived as a free agent. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs have been slammed for tightening the purse strings and waiting to sing players who run down their contracts or are released for various reasons, their critics claiming it is the reason they have waited for a league title since 2015.

Sundowns changing tack with latest moves

However, Amakhosi have never been deterred. From the five they have signed in the current transfer window, two; Thabo Moloisane and Renaldo Leaner are free agents and last season, Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Lebohang Maboe, Ethan Chislett, Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi were signed at no cost.

Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman of Kaizer Chiefs — Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman joined Kaizer Chiefs as free agents. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

That was at a time when Sundowns were spending big on Khulumani Ndamane, Fawaaz Basadien, Nuno Santos, Miguel Reisinho, Kabomelo Kodisang before the January arrivals of Monnapule Saleng and Brayan Leon the latter believed to cost the Brazilians $3.2 million (R53 million).

However, this season, Sundowns have been measured as while they have spent on Antonio van Wyk and Siyanda Ndlovu, they have opted to be smart by luring Van Rooyen on a free instead of spending big when Khuliso Mudau sustained a season-ending injury and now added Cele in the wake of Jayden Adam’s death as well as Reisinho’s departure.

The jury is still out on whether those players will be a success at Chloorkop but Sundowns look to be learning from the transfer script of Chiefs and only time will tell if the outcomes will be different.