Major Changes In Downs' Downsized Defence

Feb 17, 2025 - 02:00 pm

By Soccer Laduma Writer

Major Changes In Downs' Downsized Defence

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 16: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso during the Nedbank Cup, Last 16 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Mpheni Home Defenders at Lucas Moripe Stadium on February 16, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Currently, the Brazilians have over 15 defenders, but they aim to reduce this list to around 10 by the start of next season.

"You see as the season progresses the club is looking at how to cut down in each department so that at the end they have the desired number of players in the squad. Now the focus is on the defence. You know they have over 10 central defenders and also about four right backs and four left backs including those currently on loan. And the technical team feels that having over 20 defenders is just too much. So certain players could face the axe at the end of the season by either Downs selling them or releasing them from their contracts. But for now, the defenders are just too many for the technical team's liking," the Siya source stated.

Additionally, a second insider stated that players who are on loan or whose contracts expire in June may be prioritised for release.

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"You know there are defenders like Mosa Lebusa, Rushing De Reuck and Katlego Mohamme who are some who will face uncertainty at the club and also players like Zuko Mdunyelwa who the club was expected to loan out in January. He could be another player who may not feature next season. But the club will wait for the technical team's report at the end of the season to see which defenders would be free to go and that would help downsizing the club's squad, " the second source stated.

Currently, Sundowns' defenders include Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Lucas Suarez, Grant Kekana, Lebusa, Khoza, Rushin De Reuck, and Katlego Mohamme, who is on loan. Other defenders are Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Keagan Johannes, and Mdunyelwa, complemented by left backs such as Aubrey Modiba, Asekho Tiwani, Divine Lunga, and Terrence Mashego.