Mamelodi Sundowns have officially added two new players to their squad ahead of this weekend's Betway Premiership action. The African champions unveiled right-back Deano van Rooyen and midfielder Thabo Cele, with both men declared fit and ready to feature against Chippa United on Saturday.
Van Rooyen arrives having previously played for Orlando Pirates, while Cele joins from rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Their availability provides a timely boost for a side sitting top of the Premier Soccer League with 20 points from eight games. Sundowns are currently seven points clear of Orlando Pirates and are unbeaten in their last five matches, a run that includes four wins and a draw.
Deano van Rooyen adds depth to the right side of defence, a position the club has looked to strengthen. Thabo Cele offers experience in the middle of the park, having featured regularly for Kaizer Chiefs. The club confirmed the duo's fitness, stating they are in contention for the weekend fixture.
Sundowns face Chippa United just days after drawing 1-1 with them in a midweek encounter. Antonio Van Wyk scored a 95th-minute equaliser for Sundowns in that match, cancelling out Sirgio Kammies' 78th-minute opener for Chippa. The league leaders will be eager to turn that draw into a victory as they look to maintain their commanding position at the summit.
The squad remains in strong form, having scored 19 goals and conceded just seven this season. Top scorer B. León has three goals from seven appearances. The recent 3-0 win over Siwelele, with goals from K. Lethlaku, S. Ndlovu and T. Matthews, demonstrated the team's attacking threat from multiple sources. For a full breakdown of the squad, visit our squad section.
Elsewhere in the league this weekend, Kaizer Chiefs, who conceded five goals in their last three league games, host Polokwane City under French coach Fernando Da Cruz. AmaZulu, led by in-form Zimbabwean striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, face a Marumo Gallants side now led by interim coach Trevor Mathiane after the sacking of Phuti Mohafe and Musa Bilankulu. Siwelele, fresh from a 3-0 loss to Sundowns under caretaker Godfrey Mosoetsa, meet Golden Arrows on Sunday. Newcomers Milford FC, in fifth spot, play Richards Bay. Sundowns' match against Chippa United kicks off on Saturday as they aim to extend their unbeaten run.
