Mamelodi Sundowns Finalising Player Futures After Club World Cup Campaign

With their FIFA Club World Cup journey now complete, Mamelodi Sundowns have turned their focus to squad restructuring ahead of the new season. Management is in the process of finalising decisions on several players, especially those who spent the previous campaign out on loan.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso is reportedly eager to trim his squad to create room for new signings and improve balance within the team. As has been the case in recent years, Sundowns loaned out a large group of players, and Soccer Laduma sources suggest that most of these players now know their fate.

Sipho Mbule, who was loaned to Sekhukhune United last season, has already made his next move. The midfielder has signed with Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, marking one of the first confirmed exits from Chloorkop. Mbule’s switch to Pirates could be followed by more departures.

Lebohang Maboe, Rushine de Reuck, Siyanda Msani, Etiosa Ighodaro, Thabang Sibanyoni, Luvuyo Phewa, Ismail Watenga, and Thembinkosi Lorch are all part of the group whose futures are being decided. Thembinkosi Lorch, in particular, has attracted interest after his impressive Club World Cup performances with Wydad Casablanca. The Moroccan club is keen on making his stay permanent, though there is growing interest in the forward from clubs outside Africa as well. Sundowns have reportedly placed a R20 million price tag on Lorch.

Ricardo Goss looks set to continue at SuperSport United, where he is currently on a two-season loan. However, his situation may change depending on ongoing reports about a possible sale of SuperSport United.

Meanwhile, Magesi FC are eager to retain Thabang Sibanyoni for another season, while University of Pretoria is preparing an offer to keep Siyanda Msani in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for another campaign.

Etiosa Ighodaro has been linked with a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs, but sources indicate that no formal agreement has been reached as yet. The coming weeks will be crucial for the striker as Chiefs look to strengthen their attack for the 2025/26 season.

With Sundowns also working on incoming transfers, the club’s technical team is expected to make swift decisions to ensure the squad is ready for the start of the new campaign.