Mamelodi Sundowns Set to Promote AFCON-Winning Defender Thato Sibiya

News emerging from Mamelodi Sundowns suggests that the club is preparing to promote one of its most promising young talents to the senior ranks. According to insiders close to the club, the technical team has given the green light for the promotion of Thato Sibiya, a rising defender from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side and a recent AFCON Under-20 champion.

Sibiya, who played a key role in South Africa’s Under-20 team that clinched the AFCON title in Egypt with a 1-0 win over Morocco in the final, is believed to be on the verge of joining the Brazilians’ first team. Sources indicate that he will link up with the senior squad during the pre-season camp, shortly after Sundowns return from the FIFA Club World Cup in July.

While the teenager has previously trained with the senior side—primarily in sessions involving non-traveling squad members—his latest promotion appears to be more concrete. A source close to the club shared that both the DDC and senior technical teams have been monitoring his development closely and have reached a consensus that the time is right for his elevation.

“He has trained with the first team before but mainly with the team that stays behind when the other senior players play away. But this time around it’s believed that he is set for straight promotion. Coaches from both the DDC and the senior team have been working together on this and they believe it’s the right time,” the source told Soccer Laduma.

Another insider added that Sundowns are preparing for a generational shift in defence, with many of their current centre-backs—such as Ricardo Nascimento, Grant Kekana, and Mosa Lebusa—approaching the twilight of their careers. The club sees Sibiya and other young talents as integral to a long-term strategy that prioritises homegrown development.

“It’s a process that the team are taking. They are working on building a future using their own development players and that’s why they are set to promote Thato Sibiya as well. They want to make use of the investment they are putting in their youngsters and the team as a whole. They have a number of veterans who will soon need replacements and these young boys will do that job,” the source revealed.

Sibiya’s promotion not only highlights Sundowns’ ongoing commitment to nurturing youth talent but also signals a clear strategy focused on sustainability and squad evolution. His recent international triumph adds weight to his potential, offering a morale-boosting platform as he prepares to make the leap to top-flight football.

With the Brazilians preparing for another packed season—balancing domestic responsibilities with continental ambitions and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup—having youthful reinforcements ready to step up is crucial. Sibiya’s inclusion in the senior setup could mark the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the club.

As the pre-season approaches, all eyes will be on the young defender as he seeks to make an impression and earn his place among Sundowns’ elite.