Katlego Ntsabeleng Reveals Sundowns First Contacted Him in 2023

Mamelodi Sundowns’ new signing Katlego Ntsabeleng has confirmed that the club first made contact with him as far back as 2023, long before his eventual loan move from FC Dallas was finalized this year.

Speaking on the club’s official Pitchside Podcast, the 27-year-old midfielder explained that while the Brazilians showed interest early, the timing did not align with his career plans.

“It’s funny because it’s not the first time the call came in. The call came in first, I think it was 2023. But at the time, I was just trying to stabilise myself in the league that side. So I wasn’t confident in me trying to move around and try different things. I was still trying to find my feet in the professional ranks because I was new to kind of like everything,” Ntsabeleng said.

The former Kaizer Chiefs youth product made it clear that he did not reject Sundowns, but circumstances meant the move could not happen at the time.

“Not to say I declined the offer, but it didn’t work out. Yeah, things happen in football. It didn’t work out. But now, yeah, when it came around the second time, I think it was…” he continued.

Now officially part of the Sundowns squad, Ntsabeleng shared his pride in finally joining the club he has admired for years.

“I always wanted to play for Sundowns, man. Sundowns has been a team that stayed in my heart, especially considering that I felt like I was robbed of that moment to have victory and glory in this club. So yeah, I always had that little thing that maybe, maybe one day,” he concluded.

Ntsabeleng’s arrival strengthens a Sundowns midfield already packed with talent. His addition comes at a time when the club is reinforcing its squad to maintain dominance in the DStv Premiership and pursue continental success.