Van Rooyen unveiled: Cardoso opens up on Sundowns move

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shed light on the club’s stance on new signing right-back Deano van Rooyen.

Cardoso spoke on Sunday at King Zwelithini Stadium following his side's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows.

Van Rooyen was officially unveiled by the league champions on Sunday afternoon. The shock move follows his surprise exit from Orlando Pirates, where he parted ways by mutual consent.

Why Sundowns signed Van Rooyen

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Sundowns moved swiftly due to an immediate right-back crisis. First-choice option Khuliso Mudau is currently sidelined with a long-term Achilles tendon injury. Fellow defender Zuko Mdunyelwa is also currently injured, leaving Chloorkop short of options.

As reported by KickOff, Sundowns initially failed to sign top target Thabang Matuludi. Polokwane City completely refused to sell the highly-rated defender, prompting Masandawana to secure Van Rooyen instead.

The defender brings immense top-flight experience to Pretoria. Van Rooyen made 51 appearances for Orlando Pirates, registering one goal and one assist. Previously, he spent eight illustrious years at hometown club Stellenbosch FC.

What Cardoso said about Van Rooyen

"He capably captained the Winelands club for two seasons. He made a club-record 161 appearances. His milestones include winning the 2019 National First Division and lifting the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup."

"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 he was on the bench," Cardoso told journalists

"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.

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"Obviously, he’s coming to help; he’s an experienced player, and let’s see what he can give us.

Cardoso hopes that Van Rooyen can adapt to the club as soon as possible in their quest to win silverware.

"Let’s hope that he will embrace us, and we also embrace him and will try to do everything to make sure that he makes us better, like all the other players that are here."

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Deano Van Rooyen Mamelodi Sundowns Miguel Cardoso News Orlando Pirates