Mamelodi Sundowns Sign Two Defenders as Another Departs

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 27 Jan 2025

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John Eastwood 27 Jan 2025

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Mamelodi Sundowns sign Keanu Cupido for R11 million.
Rushine De Reuck loaned to Israeli club Maccabi Petah Tikva.
Matías Esquivel returns and Lucas Suarez signs to strengthen defence.

Sundowns' hierarchy have strengthened the defence in the January transfer window (Getty Images).

Sundowns Spend R11 million on Keanu Cupido

On Monday, it was announced that Mamelodi Sundowns are set to sign Cape Town City centre back Keanu Cupido. The club are looking to secure the future of their defence with younger acquisitions.
Sundowns Spend R11 million on Keanu Cupido
Rushine De Reuck Moves to Israel
South American Duo Return, Defence Bolstered

Cupido has been a stalwart for Cape Town City in recent years and even captained the side. He was formerly on the books of AC Ajaccio in France.

The fee is said to be in the region of R11 million for the player. His arrival could spell the end of Mosa Lebusa’s Sundowns career as the experienced defender edges towards his mid-thirties.

Rushine De Reuck Moves to Israel

Sundowns have offloaded defender Rushine De Reuck on loan. The Bafana Bafana international is set to move to Israel to join Maccabi Petah Tikva for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

De Reuck spent four years at Sundowns but has struggled for minutes over the last 18 months. He was previously a first-choice selection at international level for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

This move should open the door to Europe if he can impress. The player spent a year with FC Paços de Ferreira U19 in Portugal when he was a teenager.

South American Duo Return, Defence Bolstered

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Matías Esquivel is set to return to the club after six months on loan at Talleres de Córdoba. He is a creative midfielder who can play as a number eight, a number ten or as a false nine.

In addition, countryman Lucas Suarez is set to join Sundowns on loan. The 29-year-old centre back was a teammate of Esquivel’s and is set to join on a six-month loan with an option to buy.

His arrival, alongside that of fellow defender Keanu Cupido from Cape Town City, is part of a rebuild of an ageing central defensive pool.