Mamelodi Sundowns are home to some of the best footballers on the African Continent. And while it’s great to have a plethora of talent at your disposal, it’s not so great for some of the players who find themselves on the fringes.
One such player is goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse. The 34-year-old has struggled to get anywhere near the starting lineup at Chloorkop over the years.
Pieterse joined Sundowns back in 2018 from neighbours SuperSport United. Since joining the club though, he has played in just 22 matches for Masandawana. In fact, Pieterse has played just three times over the last three seasons.
The presence of Kennedy Mweene, Denis Onyango at first, and now Ronwen Williams has made playing time incredibly hard to come by for the former Kaizer Chiefs keeper.
With Williams cemented as the country’s undisputed number one and Onyango bringing legendary experience, the Chloorkop pecking order has been virtually impossible to break.
Now, with Onyango aging, Ricardo Goss is returning to Chloorkop and will likely leapfrog Pieterse in the queue. Yet, Sundowns have reportedly handed the veteran another one-year extension.
SABC Sport reports that Pieterse rejected moves away from the club. Instead, the 34-year-old wants to fight for his place in Miguel Cardoso’s squad. For many though, that looks like mission impossible.
Sundowns currently have an embarrassment of riches in goal. Six goalkeepers are actively on the Chloorkop books and all six could potentially be a starting worthy option at a fellow PSL club.
Ronwen Williams, Jody February, Ricardo Goss, Ismail Watenga, Denis Onyango, and Reyaad Pieterse are all fighting for a single starting jersey.
Ultimately, you cannot blame Mamelodi Sundowns for this situation. They offer world-class facilities, financial security, and guaranteed silverware every season.
If a player chooses the comfort of Chloorkop over regular game time elsewhere, that is on them. It just makes you wonder…
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
