Mamelodi Sundowns have been busy in the transfer market as they prepare for another demanding campaign, with the club strengthening its squad ahead of the fight for domestic and continental honours.
The Brazilians have added experience, youth and versatility, recruiting players from the Betway Premiership as well as overseas.
The current list features seven unique names, although one of the deals is still awaiting official confirmation from the club.
Here is a closer look at the players linked with or already added to the Sundowns squad.
Cassius Mailula returns to Chloorkop
Cassius Mailula, 25, is back at Sundowns after his spell with Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
The forward originally rose through the Sundowns academy before earning a move to the United States. His return gives the Brazilians another attacking option and reunites the club with a player who was previously regarded as one of its promising young talents.
Siyanda Ndlovu adds pace on the wing
Siyanda Ndlovu, 22, has joined Sundowns from Lamontville Golden Arrows.
The right winger brings speed and directness to the attack and represents another investment in promising South African talent.
With competition for attacking positions already fierce at Chloorkop, Ndlovu will have to fight for regular opportunities.
Antonio van Wyk arrives from Europe
Antonio van Wyk, 24, makes the move to Sundowns after gaining experience in Austria with SV Ried.
The former Stellenbosch FC attacker is capable of playing on the wing or in a more advanced attacking role, giving the champions another versatile option in the final third.
His European experience could also prove valuable as Sundowns target success on the continental stage.
Katlego Ntsabeleng makes his move permanent
Katlego Ntsabeleng, 28, has turned his Sundowns loan move into a permanent transfer.
The midfielder previously joined the club from FC Dallas on loan and impressed enough during his spell to earn a permanent deal.
His ability to operate in central and attacking midfield provides Sundowns with additional depth and tactical flexibility.
Deano van Rooyen crosses the divide
One of the more notable domestic moves is Deano van Rooyen’s arrival from Orlando Pirates.
The 29-year-old right-back joined Sundowns as a free agent after previously captaining Stellenbosch FC.
His experience in the Premier Soccer League should make him a useful addition to a squad competing on multiple fronts.
Thabo Cele joins from Kaizer Chiefs
Thabo Cele, 29, is another experienced addition to the Sundowns midfield.
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder has also played abroad and brings energy, physicality and experience to an already competitive midfield department.
His arrival increases the number of options available to the Sundowns coaching staff in the centre of the park.
Thabang Matuludi: Deal still awaiting confirmation
Thabang Matuludi, 27, is expected to join Sundowns after leaving Polokwane City.
The defender can operate at right-back and in other defensive positions, potentially providing further depth at the back.
However, unlike the other names on the list, Sundowns have yet to officially announce Matuludi’s arrival. For that reason, his transfer should be treated as an incoming deal rather than a fully confirmed signing until the club makes it official.
So, are there seven or eight signings?
For now, the list contains seven unique players:
- Cassius Mailula
- Siyanda Ndlovu
- Antonio van Wyk
- Katlego Ntsabeleng
- Deano van Rooyen
- Thabo Cele
- Thabang Matuludi
The confusion over an eighth name appears to stem from Cassius Mailula being listed twice, with Toronto FC and FC Toronto referring to the same club.
That leaves Sundowns with seven unique names currently on the list, while Matuludi’s status remains dependent on official confirmation.
With the Brazilians looking to challenge for the Betway Premiership and make another deep run in the CAF Champions League, their recruitment has certainly added plenty of competition for places across the squad.
