Kobamelo Kodisang Returns to Portugal After Challenging Spell at Mamelodi Sundowns

Kobamelo Kodisang is heading back to familiar territory in Portugal after a tough season with Mamelodi Sundowns. The 25-year-old South African midfielder has signed a season-long loan deal with Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit AVS Futebol SAD, marking a return to Europe where he previously spent several years building his professional career.

Kodisang joined Masandawana ahead of the 2024/25 campaign amid high expectations, but the move didn’t go as planned. He struggled to break into a star-studded Sundowns lineup and was eventually left out of the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup—a clear signal that his future at Chloorkop was uncertain.

Now, with a fresh start at AVS, Kodisang is eager to reignite his career in Europe.

“It’s good to be here and back in Portugal. It’s actually like I never left,” Kodisang told the club’s official website. “I arrived at an excellent club and now I’m going to try to give my best for AVS.”

His determination to bounce back is evident. The Bafana Bafana international spoke about the challenges of the Portuguese top-flight league and vowed to contribute both offensively and defensively.

“I’m someone who always tries to give my best, attacking and defending. I don’t like to disappoint the fans. If they come to support us and encourage us, we have to give our all for them,” he said.

“There’s no ‘I’ in a team; there’s a collective that has to work. The most important thing is to always give my best. If I do that, I help the team. And if the team improves, we’re all happy.”

Kodisang’s return to Portugal, where he previously featured for SC Braga B and Moreirense, gives him the chance to compete at a high level once again. His familiarity with the league and culture should help him settle in quickly.

This move also comes at a critical time, with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon. Consistent performances at AVS could boost his chances of earning a national team recall and representing South Africa at the continental tournament.

For Kodisang, this loan move is more than just a temporary exit from Sundowns—it’s a second chance to prove himself in Europe, revive his club career, and potentially reclaim his spot in Bafana Bafana’s plans.

With the season just around the corner, all eyes will be on how the skilful midfielder adapts and performs in his familiar Portuguese surroundings.