Mamelodi Sundowns Set to Promote Rising Star Onele Rulwana to First Team

Despite plans to trim their squad for the upcoming season, Mamelodi Sundowns remain steadfast in their commitment to youth development, with promising midfielder Onele Rulwana reportedly set for promotion to the first team.

Trust in Development Talent

According to reliable sources, the 20-year-old Rulwana has caught the attention of both the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) and senior technical teams with his outstanding performances. The decision to integrate him into the first team underscores Sundowns’ belief in nurturing homegrown talent while maintaining their status as one of the top teams in African football.

“As much as they are cutting the squad, they are also working on reducing excessive spending while tapping into the potential of their youth ranks,” a Siya source revealed. “Onele Rulwana, along with Gomolemo Kekana, is seen as a future star not just for Sundowns but for South African football. The club wants to ensure they don’t lose Rulwana, which is why he’s set for promotion to the first team.”

A Natural Successor to Themba Zwane?

Rulwana, who wears the iconic jersey number 7, has been described as a brilliant attacking midfielder with immense potential. Having joined Sundowns from the School of Excellence, he has shown consistent improvement and is seen as a long-term solution for the team.

“He’s an incredible talent,” a second insider commented. “With Onele in the squad, Sundowns might not even need to search for a replacement for Themba Zwane in the future. He’s that good, and his promotion will save the club time and resources they’d otherwise spend on recruiting externally.”

Strategic Squad Management

The decision to promote Rulwana aligns with Sundowns’ strategy to balance squad cost management with competitive performance. By focusing on youth development, the Brazilians aim to maintain their dominance while fostering sustainability.

This move reflects a broader philosophy at Sundowns: ensuring the squad remains competitive while integrating young players who can contribute immediately and develop into key assets for the future.

The Bigger Picture

Onele Rulwana’s rise from the youth setup to the first team signals Sundowns’ faith in their development system. As they prepare for the next season, the club appears focused on blending experienced stars with emerging talents, ensuring they remain a force in both domestic and continental competitions.

For Rulwana, the promotion presents an opportunity to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage, with the potential to follow in the footsteps of Sundowns legends. If his transition is successful, it could inspire other young players in the development ranks, solidifying Sundowns’ reputation as a club that invests in its future.

With Sundowns balancing cost-effectiveness and long-term planning, Rulwana’s promotion could mark the start of a new era for the club—one where homegrown talent plays an even more prominent role in their success story.