Mamelodi Sundowns’ Young Defender Malibongwe Khoza Attracts Intensified Interest from Ligue 1 Side Stade Rennais

Mamelodi Sundowns’ promising 21-year-old centre-back Malibongwe Khoza is reportedly drawing heightened attention from European clubs, with French Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennais FC set to advance negotiations for his signature, sources close to the situation have informed the Siya crew.

As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Stade Rennais had expressed early interest in Khoza following his breakthrough season with the Brazilians last year. Now, that interest has materialized into a formal offer, with discussions between the two clubs expected to reach a critical stage soon.

“Each passing day, the move is believed to be coming closer to reality, and it’s believed that the French club has tabled an offer to Sundowns. At the moment, it’s at the office where they have the details of the offer, but they are looking at it. There could be negotiations starting soon if Sundowns consider the offer,” revealed an insider familiar with the talks.

Another source added that Sundowns’ strong defensive depth might allow the club some flexibility in letting Khoza pursue the European opportunity despite his impressive performances since being promoted from the club’s Development and Discovery Centre (DDC).

“The club feels they are well-balanced in defence and that’s what could give Khoza the chance to move to Europe. But at the end of the day they will also consider the offer from Rennais and take it from there since there is an interest and an offer as well,” the second source explained.

Khoza’s rapid rise came during the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season when he cemented his place in Sundowns’ starting lineup. The defender impressed coaches and fans alike with his composure, tactical awareness, and maturity beyond his years, marking him as one of South Africa’s brightest defensive prospects.

The potential transfer would mark another milestone for Sundowns’ youth development program, which has prioritized cultivating homegrown talent alongside maintaining their dominance on the African continent. A move to Europe would not only be a personal achievement for Khoza but also a testament to Sundowns’ success in nurturing future stars.

Soccer Laduma reached out to Mamelodi Sundowns for comment on Khoza’s future but had not received a response at the time of publication.

With negotiations likely to intensify, all eyes will be on whether Sundowns decide to keep their young defensive gem or allow him to take the next step in his career abroad. Either way, Khoza’s journey underscores the growing pathways South African talent have to the global stage.