Mamelodi Sundowns hand Reyaad Pieterse new one-year deal

The decision may come as a surprise given Pieterse's limited involvement last season, but the Tshwane giants are understood to value the 34-year-old's experience and leadership within the squad, while also viewing him as reliable cover in the goalkeeping department.

Pieterse joined Sundowns from SuperSport United in 2018, arriving with the expectation that he would eventually challenge for the number one jersey as Denis Onyango and Kennedy Mweene approached the latter stages of their careers.

While Mweene has since retired and taken up the role of goalkeeping coach, Onyango continues to feature for the Brazilians. 

Sundowns then later also signed Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, who remains Miguel Cardoso's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

Pieterse, a former Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper, has also represented the national team, earning three senior caps, although his opportunities at both club and international level have diminished over the years.

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Information gathered by the public broadcaster indicates Pieterse had options to leave Chloorkop, either permanently or on loan, but instead chose to extend his stay, backing himself to continue competing for a place despite acknowledging he is likely to serve as a squad player.

With Ricardo Goss returning from his loan spell at Siwelele and expected to challenge for more minutes, and while Jody February and Onyango also remain on the club's books, competition for places is set to intensify.

Even so, Pieterse has committed his future to Sundowns for at least one more season, reinforcing the club's emphasis on depth and experience ahead of another demanding campaign.