Mamelodi Sundowns Sign Ex-orlando Pirates Defender After Khuliso Mudau Injury

Mamelodi Sundowns Sign Ex-orlando Pirates Defender After Khuliso Mudau Injury

  • Mamelodi Sundowns have made a notable addition to their squad as they look to strengthen their defensive options for the season ahead
  • The Brazilians have turned to a familiar PSL name at a time when their right-back options have come under increased pressure
  • The latest arrival brings previous top-flight experience and could add another layer of competition to Sundowns’ squad this season
Khuliso Mudau
Khuliso Mudau at the World Cup. Mamelodi Sundowns have added former Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen to their squad after Mudau’s injury setback. Image: Dave Bernal / ISI Photos
Source: Getty Images

Mamelodi Sundowns have strengthened their defensive options by signing ex-Orlando Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen after Khuliso Mudau’s injury ruled him out for an extended period.

The Brazilians confirmed the move on X on Sunday, 6 September 2026. They announced that Van Rooyen had signed a multi-year contract with the reigning Betway Premiership champions.

Sundowns confirm Deano van Rooyen arrival

The club formally welcomed the 29-year-old right-back through its official social media account.

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“Mamelodi Sundowns are delighted to announce the signing of Deano van Rooyen, who joins us on a multi-year deal!” the club stated.

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Van Rooyen was available after his contract with Pirates was ended by mutual agreement. He had previously established himself at Stellenbosch FC before making the move to Soweto.

Khuliso Mudau injury changes Sundowns options

Mudau’s absence has left Sundowns with fewer established choices at right-back. Van Rooyen now joins Zuko Mdunyelwa and Thapelo Morena among the players capable of filling the position.

His previous experience as a club captain at Stellenbosch also adds another experienced figure to Miguel Cardoso’s squad.

Deano van Rooyen faces new challenge

Van Rooyen arrives with Sundowns competing across domestic and continental competitions. The signing gives Cardoso another option as the Brazilians manage a demanding fixture schedule and prepare for the challenges ahead.

For Van Rooyen, the move represents a fresh chapter after his departure from Pirates.

Ronwen Williams’ message to goalkeepers adds another layer to Sundowns’ season

Briefly News previously reported that Ronwen Williams used a Man of the Match performance to defend the work of goalkeepers at Mamelodi Sundowns, while also backing Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen during a difficult spell.

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Bafana Bafana star makes shock Sundowns exit to join PSL rivals

The goalkeeper’s remarks provide useful context as Sundowns continue to strengthen their squad and manage their defensive options during the campaign.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Dzikamai Matara avatar

Dzikamai Matara Dzikamai Matara is a sports writer at Briefly News. He previously worked as a news and current affairs editor at iHarare for eight years. Before that, he was a profiler, sports, human interest, entertainment, and current affairs writer at Pindula for two years, where he produced profiles and news articles. He completed two years of Mechanical Engineering coursework at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has also completed YOAST SEO for Beginners (2023), YOAST Block Editor Training (2023), and YOAST Structured Data for Beginners (2023).