Mamelodi Sundowns Deny Interest in Fiston Mayele Amid Club World Cup Campaign

As Mamelodi Sundowns continue their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 journey, the club has moved swiftly to dismiss rumours linking them with a move for Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele. Despite reports abroad suggesting the Congolese forward is on the Brazilians’ radar, sources close to Chloorkop insist that there is no interest in signing the CAF Champions League-winning attacker.

Mayele, who has previously attracted interest from Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, was recently crowned a continental champion with Egypt’s Pyramids FC and remains one of the most talked-about forwards in African football. However, according to insiders at Sundowns, the club is not currently in the market for a new striker.

“No. Not at all. Sundowns are not interested in Fiston Mayele at all,” a source close to the club’s recruitment team told Soccer Laduma. “They are happy with the strikers they have at the moment. Apparently, those who recruit players for Sundowns feel that he is a bit old to join Sundowns now and also his style doesn’t fit that of Sundowns. So, from what I know from the club, there is no interest in Mayele. That I can tell you. Maybe there are people who want him to play for Sundowns but not the club.”

Another figure with insight into Sundowns’ squad planning echoed those sentiments, adding that the technical team would rather retain current forward Lebo Mothiba than bring in a new name.

“Sundowns believe that instead of signing a new striker, they would rather have Lebo extend his contract. It’s unfortunate he was coming from a long layoff due to injury and hadn’t played much, but they know he is good and they would rather keep him instead of signing Mayele,” the source said.

Mothiba, who is currently making a gradual return to fitness, featured in Sundowns’ latest Club World Cup fixture — a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. Head coach Miguel Cardoso was animated on the touchline, visibly gesturing instructions throughout the game as the Brazilians came close to snatching a famous result.

Sundowns began their Club World Cup group campaign with a 1-0 win over Ulsan and will next face Brazilian side Fluminense on Wednesday in a decisive Group F encounter. With current forwards Peter Shalulile, Iqraam Rayners, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Arthur Sales, and Mothiba already in the squad, the club seems confident in its existing attacking depth.

At the time of publishing, Mamelodi Sundowns had not officially commented on the Mayele rumours. However, the clear stance from within the club is that they are not pursuing the striker, preferring to focus on nurturing the talent they already have — especially as they push for global recognition at the FIFA Club World Cup.