Why Van Rooyen Has Not Played For Sundowns: Cardoso Explains
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why Deano Van Rooyen is yet to establish himself at the club, insisting that the former Orlando Pirates defender needs to remain patient.
Van Rooyen joined the Brazilians in September on a free transfer following his departure from Pirates, where he spent two seasons and helped the Buccaneers win four trophies, including last season’s domestic treble.
However, life at Sundowns has not been straightforward for the 29-year-old, who has struggled to secure regular playing time and is yet to feature in a matchday squad since his arrival.
Cardoso has now explained Van Rooyen’s limited involvement, pointing to the player’s development, preparation and the intense competition for places at right-back.
“Deano is a player who, when he came to us, was already well prepared,” Cardoso said.
“We always try to understand the different stages of our players’ development and create the right conditions for them to perform. We don’t expose players to competitive football when we don’t feel they are fully ready to perform at that level. Deano is now approaching that stage.
“Competition for his position is very high, and Thabang (Matuludi) settled into the team more quickly than we initially expected. However, we are happy with Deano’s progress, and he needs to remain patient and resilient because his opportunity will come.”
Matuludi, who joined Sundowns from Polokwane City, and Thapelo Morena are the two right-backs Cardoso has relied on since Van Rooyen’s arrival, making it difficult for the former Pirates defender to break into the team.
The competition for places could become even fiercer when Khuliso Mudau and Zuko Mdunyelwa return from injury, potentially leaving Sundowns with five right-backs competing for opportunities.
Van Rooyen will, however, be hoping to get his first opportunity when Sundowns face Algerian outfit USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup on Sunday.
Interestingly, Matuludi also made his Sundowns debut in an international competition against Al Ahli in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, where the Brazilians went on to lift the trophy.
With another important international fixture on the horizon, Van Rooyen will be eager to convince Cardoso that he is ready to compete for a place in the Sundowns starting line-up.
