‘I worry about the guy in DDC’ – Sundowns’ transfer decision criticised

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‘I worry about the guy in DDC’ – Sundowns’ transfer decision criticised
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso in training. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Former Moroka Swallows and Bidvest Wits midfielder Mark Haskins is not impressed with Mamelodi Sundowns having so many experienced right-backs at the club.

Sundowns now have five right-backs on their books following the arrivals of free agent Deano van Rooyen and Thabang Matuludi from Polokwane City this month.

Deano van Rooyen in training at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Deano van Rooyen in training

The duo’s signing adds to Khuliso Mudau, currently nursing a long-term injury, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Thapelo Morena, who were the options available to coach Miguel Cardoso before the latest additions.

Selection headache for Miguel Cardoso

It is a selection headache for Cardoso as even with Mudau injured, making four players happy while competing for one slot is not easy, even if they are challenging in the league, CAF Champions League, and three domestic cups as well as a couple of international cup competitions.

Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mamelodi Sundowns
Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mamelodi Sundowns – Image: Sundowns

However, for Haskins, the biggest worry is that the move is limiting opportunities for Sundowns youngsters in their DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team who are hoping to break into the senior team at right-back.

“It is staggering. Only one can play at a time unless the squad plays a lot differently,” Haskins said on SABC’s Soccerzone.

Sundowns’ right-back move questioned

“Yes, we understand that the squad depth is needed but I worry about the guy in DDC. The right-back at DDC level. When he looks up and looks at his pathway, it is a tough one, a really tough one,” he added.

Sundowns have not handed many opportunities to youngsters coming through the ranks, opting to ship them out either permanently or on loan, and the development at right-back is another statement that that will likely continue.

Cardoso’s biggest problem is the demand for positive results in every competition his team features in, hence the need for a deep and quality squad at all times which makes fielding youngsters difficult.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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