Zuko Mdunyelwa: Mamelodi Sundowns Manager Rhulani Mokwena Speaks on New Signing

• Zuko Mdunyelwa has joined Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of the second stanza of the season
• The defender was a key member of Chippa United, but he will now feature for the Brazilians
• Rhulani Mokwena has shared his thoughts on why the defender was brought in

Mamelodi Sundowns manager Rhulani Mokwena has expressed delight following the signing of Zuko Mdunyelwa from Chippa United.

Mdunyelwa was unveiled on Thursday, December 28, ahead of Sundown's second round of the DStv Premiership season.

It was gathered that the impressive right-wing back put pen on paper on a long-term contract.

He was a key member of Chippa United in the past three seasons, making a total of 58 appearances for the club in all competitions.

As the January transfer window gets closer, Mdunyelwa has joined the Brazilians for the second stanza of the 2023/24 campaign.

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Sundowns signed Bathusi Aubaas, Lesiba Nku, Thapelo Maseko, Junior Mandieta and Lucas Ribeiro at the start of the season.

Mokwena's side have been impressive so far this season, winning eleven and drawing two of the thirteen league matches played.

Following the arrival of Mdunyelwa, Mokwena has now shared his thoughts. He said, via Farpost:

“The challenge is that in every other position, we’ve got two players except for right-back.

“We only have Mudau, we’ve got Thapelo [Morena] but my feeling about Thapelo’s position is completely different.

“I don’t think Thapelo in a way that we play when I envision the team is a right-back. When I look at the team, he doesn’t fit at right-back in my mind.

“So, it’s been very difficult to rest Mudau, so with Zuko, a lot of credit has to go to the scouting department and our sporting director [Flemming Berg] and his assistant.

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“Also the technical team in the work they have done in analysing [Mdunyelwa] and the club for securing the talent that is very promising.”

Mokwena lays out January plans

Sports Brief earlier reported that the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations will take place between January 13 and February 11, 2024, in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo in Cote d'Ivoire.

This means club football across Africa will take a break.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena recently explained what the club plans to do during the pause.