Mamelodi Sundowns Hailed for Signing South African Star From Kaizer Chiefs This Summer
- Mamelodi Sundowns club legend Hlompho Kekana weighed in on the club's latest recruitment drive ahead of a demanding season
- Thabo Cele joined Sundowns as a free agent after Kaizer Chiefs terminated his contract following just one and a half years at the club
- Kekana explained why he believes Cele and young centre-back Wandile Duba will be valuable additions to the squad
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Mamelodi Sundowns legend Hlompho Kekana has voiced strong support for the club's decision to sign former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele and young centre-back Wandile Duba, describing both acquisitions as significant for the season ahead.
Cele arrived at Sundowns as a free agent after Kaizer Chiefs terminated his contract, ending a stint that lasted only around 18 months with the Glamour Boys. His move to Chloorkop raised eyebrows given the manner of his departure from Naturena, but Kekana believes the midfielder has the experience Sundowns need.
**What Cele and Duba Bring to Sundowns**
Speaking to FARPost, the former Sundowns captain drew on his own playing experience to explain the value of squad depth when a team is competing across multiple competitions.
"Look, when you are a team like Mamelodi Sundowns, you need personnel that have been tested, with the combination of youth and experience because in that position, Mokoena has been excellent, let's be honest," Kekana said.
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"I was that player who played so many games, and I know the impact of having to play so many matches. Sometimes you play when you are not fresh, and that's where injuries come into play. But when you have a bench that can back you, and they are on the same level as you, then even when you are injured you are not worried because someone else will take the team to the level that it has always been at."
Kekana also highlighted the importance of signing Duba, who joined Sundowns from Siwelele FC. He pointed to the rarity of left-footed centre-backs in South African football as a key reason the young defender's arrival carries weight.
"When you look at Wandile, he's young and a left centre-back, which is rare to find in South Africa. You want to have such talent in your team, particularly with Sundowns having so many matches coming up," Kekana added.
Cele will face stiff competition for playing time, with established midfielders Marcelo Allende, Gomolemo Kekana, Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas already in the squad. The former Chiefs man will need to make a strong impression to secure regular starts.
Kekana concluded by acknowledging the pressure facing both new signings: "I feel for them, but they have to make sure that they win football matches for us."
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Source: Briefly News
