Mamelodi Sundowns Copy Kaizer Chiefs’ Transfer Script With Latest Summer Signings
- Mamelodi Sundowns signed Deano van Rooyen and Thabo Cele as free agents, a transfer approach long associated with Kaizer Chiefs
- Van Rooyen was released by Orlando Pirates, while Chiefs terminated Cele's contract before Sundowns moved for both players
- Sundowns' shift toward the free agent market raises questions about whether the strategy will yield different results than it has for Chiefs
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Mamelodi Sundowns have made a notable shift in their transfer approach this window, securing right-back Deano van Rooyen and midfielder Thabo Cele without paying transfer fees, mirroring a recruitment strategy long favoured by Kaizer Chiefs.
Van Rooyen departed Orlando Pirates after losing his place under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, while Cele's time at Chiefs came to an end when the Soweto club terminated his contract on Tuesday. Both players arrived at Chloorkop as free agents.
**Sundowns Deviate From Their Big-Spending Reputation**
The Brazilians have historically been the Premier Soccer League's biggest spenders, investing heavily in talent from South Africa, Europe and South America.
Players such as Nuno Santos, Miguel Reisinho and Brayan Leon, the latter believed to have cost approximately $3.2 million (R53 million), reflect the scale of previous outlay.
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This season, however, Sundowns have been more selective, spending on Antonio van Wyk and Siyanda Ndlovu while using the free agent route to address positional gaps.
Van Rooyen's arrival was triggered by a season-ending injury to Khuliso Mudau, while Cele's signing followed the death of Jayden Adams and the departure of Reisinho.
**Chiefs' Free Agent Model Under the Spotlight**
Among the PSL's so-called Big Three, Kaizer Chiefs have built a reputation for recruiting players who are out of contract or released by their clubs. In the current transfer window alone, Chiefs have signed five players, two of whom, Thabo Moloisane and Renaldo Leaner, are free agents. Last season, the club brought in Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Lebohang Maboe, Ethan Chislett, Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi at no transfer cost.
Critics have long argued that Chiefs' reluctance to spend in the transfer market has contributed to the club's failure to win a league title since 2015. Amakhosi, however, have shown little inclination to abandon the approach, with the savings on transfer fees clearly outweighing the reputational cost in the club's view.
Sundowns appear to have taken notice. Whether recruiting players considered surplus to requirements elsewhere will produce better outcomes at Chloorkop than at Naturena remains to be seen.
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Source: Briefly News
