OGC Nice Close In On Bafana Bafana Starlet Vuyo Letlapa Amid Soweto Giants Interest

A top-tier European club has surged ahead in the race to sign one of South Africa’s most exciting young defenders, with reports indicating that OGC Nice of France are now frontrunners to land Sekhukhune United’s rising star, Vuyo Letlapa.

The 21-year-old left back, who has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Babina Noko from Jomo Cosmos at the start of the season, has become a hot commodity both locally and abroad. Despite strong interest from both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, the Soweto giants now look likely to miss out as the Ligue 1 outfit prepares to meet Sekhukhune United’s steep valuation.

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According to well-placed sources who spoke to Soccer Laduma, Nice have tabled a serious offer and are edging closer to finalising a deal that would see Letlapa become the latest South African to make the leap to Europe’s elite leagues.

“There are local teams which have shown interest and Pirates were believed to be in the forefront to sign him,” the source revealed. “But apparently, the French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice is the one leading now. They are very close to closing the deal. Remember we spoke about European interest before.”

A second insider confirmed that Sekhukhune United have slapped a R20 million price tag on the Bafana Bafana international, and the deal is structured to include a lucrative 30% sell-on clause — similar to the one inserted in Elias Mokwana’s transfer to Tunisian giants Esperance.

“Yes, that’s what Sekhukhune United are looking at. R20 million is the expected fee for Vuyo Letlapa. And just like they did with Mokwana, they are including a 30% sell-on clause if Nice were to sell him again in the future,” the source added.

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Letlapa’s meteoric rise has caught the attention of scouts across the continent. After impressing in the ABC Motsepe League, he quickly adapted to top-flight football and earned a senior national team call-up from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos earlier this year.

His composure on the ball, defensive intelligence, and attacking drive from the flanks have made him a standout performer for Sekhukhune, who now appear poised to cash in on their young talent.

Should the move to OGC Nice materialise, Letlapa would join a growing list of South African players making waves in Europe — and his transition to Ligue 1 could open doors not only for his career but for more local talent seeking international breakthroughs.

Sekhukhune United have yet to issue an official comment on the situation, but signs strongly suggest that a major international transfer is imminent.

As the South African football landscape prepares for more change, Letlapa’s potential move to France may well become one of the standout transfer stories of 2025.