Mamelodi Sundowns right back Zuko Mdunyelwa's situation has changed at the club and he looks set to get another opportunity to cement his place in the team.
Mdunyelwa has been linked with an exit and was believed to have attracted interest from a few clubs, but the contractual situation of Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena's injury has opened the door for more game time.
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Indications were that the player would be loaned out this season, but chances of that happening are slim right now, with Sundowns needing him at right back. He has made two appearances this season, in the MTN8 and Betway Premiership, and could make more in the coming weeks.
Last season, the 26-year-old made just seven appearances in all competitions. Mdunyelwa spoke to Sundowns media about his situation at the start of this campaign.
"It’s a great feeling and I really appreciate it. I appreciate the support I have been getting from my teammates. (They are) pushing me. It’s a great feeling," he told the Sundowns media team.
Sundowns dropped points in their opening Premiership match of the season, drawing 1-1 with Chippa away from home. Mdunyelwa came on as a second-half substitute for Fawaaz Basadien and admitted that they did not apply themselves.
"I felt like we didn’t apply ourselves the way we wanted to apply ourselves, and we didn’t carry out the game plan which we had for the opposition. Other than that, it was really great being in my home province playing against my former club in a city I used to live in."
Sundowns will have an opportunity to bounce back and record maximum points on home soil when they take on AmaZulu at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday evening.
"We are working on certain things which I cannot mention because they are tactical for us. They are very key for us and the game. We are aware of their weaknesses and strengths. We will try to capitalise on their weaknesses and try to be strong and limit their strengths."
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Mdunyelwa identified a few Usuthu players who could be a threat to Sundowns in the clash.
"Definitely I have to mention (Pule) Ekstein, Riaad Hanamub and Bongani Zungu. Those are key players. At the back there's Fielies. These are the key players who have been at the foundation of the club, Sandile Mthethwa as well."
