Mamelodi Sundowns defender Zuko Mdunyelwa has completed his third top flight season, having continued making a name for himself as one of the best players in the league in his position.
Having done remarkably with Chippa United in his first two seasons, it came as little surprise for many that Mdunyelwa was signed by defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in January.
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The right-back made nine appearances in the Brazilians' successful league campaign triumph to add to the 13 matches he played for the Chilli Boys in the first half of the season.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena speaks highly of the 25-year-old and sees him as one of the most promising players of his generation.
While Mdunyelwa will be working on cementing his place at the star-studded Downs' side where he has been competing with highly rated Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau among other players, little is known about Pirates reportedly having previously showed interest in the Cape Town City development product.
According to sources, the Buccaneers had been closely following the bulky defender with a view of making a formal approach possibly during this winter when Sundowns decided to sign him in mid-season.
"I was very close to what was happening at Chippa regarding their plans for Zuko Mdunyelwa and I can confirm to you that there was interest from Pirates. Pirates were the first club to show interest in the player and Chippa were considering it," said the source.
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"Sundowns joined the race, and they were quick to sign him in December for his (official) move in January. With Pirates, the plan was to follow the player until the end of the season and take it from there, but Sundowns wanted him immediately and that's what happened," the source concluded.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
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