Mamelodi Sundowns could have only teased what's more to come after the signing of Zuko Mdunyelwa, with more compelling reasons to beef up the squad ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.
Following the signing of Mdunyelwa, Kickoff compiles reasons why more new faces could be expected at Chloorkop
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High number of games than before
Sundowns' participation in the African Football League was not clearly and properly handled at the beginning of the season, with doubts and confusion about what the tournament entails, until details emerged close to the start of the competition.
Extra fixtures have put a huge load on the current squad and in total, the Brazilians would have played 60 games in a calendar year after their last game of 2023 against Polokwane City.
The number of games Sundowns could play would increase next year, as the AFL will be expanded to 24 teams and that necessitates extra personnel.
FIFA Club World Cup ambitions
FIFA recently announced that Sundowns currently qualify for the expanded edition in 2025 as the third-best ranked team in Africa, behind Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca, who are already through after winning the previous two editions of the CAF Champions League.
However, the Brazilians cannot afford to leave things to chance, as the points ranking, based on CAF Champions League results, is not final and could change.
The only way Masandawana could guarantee participation in the Club World Cup is by winning the CAF Champions League or reaching the closing stages and they will need a strong back up squad for domestic tournaments, as they could be inclined to prioritize the Champions League.
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Areas Sundowns could prioritize to strengthen
The injuries of Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa during the AFL tournament exposed the Brazilians' lack of depth in the striking department.
The Brazilians could also be looking at finding the successor to Themba Zwane.
Players linked with Sundowns
Midfielder Matias Esquivel's official signing is believed to be imminent, according to reports from Argentina.
Masandawana have also been linked with Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo, Stellenbosch left-back Fawaaz Basadien, Swallows midfielder Tlakusani Mthethwa and Sekhukhune United attacker Elias Mokwana, among others.
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