By Dylan Bettencourt
- Zuko Mdunyelwa fights for a place in the Mamelodi Sundowns team against top players like Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena.
- Mamelodi Sundowns host Esperance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday after winning the first match in Tunisia by one goal.
Zuko Mdunyelwa has a hard job at Mamelodi Sundowns. The right-back fights for a starting spot against Khuliso Mudau, who is one of the best fullbacks in Africa.
If Mudau cannot play, the club uses Thapelo Morena. Last season, the team also had Asekho Tiwani. He captained the national under-20 team that won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Because of this, just making the bench is a big deal for Mdunyelwa. He said being behind Mudau and Morena is not a bad thing.
“Hopefully when I get my opportunity, I can grab it with both hands,” he said.
Mdunyelwa has played 10 times in 40 matches this season, but only finished three full games. He said injuries made his time at the club difficult, but he learns a lot.
He said players on the bench still have an important job to do. They must support the team and be ready to finish the game.
Mamelodi Sundowns are top of the Betway Premiership. They also have a good chance of reaching the CAF Champions League final.
They beat Esperance 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals in Tunisia. Mdunyelwa played the last two minutes of that match to help defend their lead.
The team will play the second match against Esperance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
Grant Kekana will miss the game after getting a red card in the first match. Aubrey Modiba missed the first match for the same reason.
Coach Miguel Cardoso has told his players to enjoy the game. The team wants to win the cup after losing the final to Pyramids FC last season.
“We don’t want to feel the way we felt last season,” Mdunyelwa said.
Pictured above: Sundowns in action against Esperance.
Image source: @Masandawana
