Mamelodi Sundowns completed one more piece of transfer business just before the deadline, securing the services of AmaZulu defender Wandile Dube on a three-year contract.
With the PSL transfer window closing at midnight on Monday, the reigning African champions moved quickly to finalise their pursuit of the 22-year-old.
Dube had reportedly attracted interest from Orlando Pirates, but Sundowns eventually won the race for his signature.
Dube completes Sundowns move
The left-footed centre-back arrived in Johannesburg on Monday and underwent his medical at the club’s Chloorkop base.
After successfully completing the medical, Dube put pen to paper on a three-year deal, officially making the move from AmaZulu to Sundowns.
The transfer gives Miguel Cardoso another defensive option as Sundowns prepare for a demanding campaign across domestic and continental competitions.
For AmaZulu, meanwhile, the move represents the departure of a young defender who had reportedly attracted attention from some of the country’s biggest clubs.
Why Dube could be important for Sundowns
At just 22, Dube is unlikely to walk straight into a defence packed with established international talent.
However, his left-footed profile could make him an important addition to Cardoso’s squad.
Khulumani Ndamane is currently the established left-footed centre-back option, leaving Dube with a clear opportunity to compete for minutes and develop within one of the country’s strongest squads.
Cardoso has also shown a willingness to use defensive combinations that include two right-footed centre-backs, but having another natural left-footer gives the coach greater flexibility.
Dube faces battle for game time
The move to Sundowns represents a significant step in Dube’s career, but earning regular football will be the next challenge.
He will have to compete with experienced defenders and adapt to the demands of playing for a club expected to challenge for trophies on multiple fronts.
The youngster now has the opportunity to learn alongside international-level players while competing for a place in a squad with ambitions both domestically and in Africa.
For Sundowns, the signing adds youth, depth and a different profile to their defensive options.
A deadline-day statement from Sundowns?
Sundowns may have left their final piece of transfer business until the closing hours, but Dube’s arrival could give Cardoso another useful option as the season progresses.
Can Wandile Dube break into the Sundowns starting XI this season?
