Mamelodi Sundowns Retain Tsiki Ntsabeleng as Midfield Plans Take Shape for the New Season
Mamelodi Sundowns are continuing their preparations for the new football season with a significant boost in midfield after retaining Tsiki Ntsabeleng. The South African midfielder remains at Chloorkop following successful discussions involving his parent club, Major League Soccer side FC Dallas. His continued stay gives Sundowns additional depth and experience as they prepare to compete on multiple fronts during another demanding campaign. After spending the previous season adapting to life at the club, Ntsabeleng now has the opportunity to build on the progress he made during his first spell with the Brazilians. His retention highlights the club’s confidence in his ability to contribute under head coach Miguel Cardoso.
Ntsabeleng initially joined Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of the 2025/26 season on a loan agreement from FC Dallas. The original deal was structured to keep him at the club for the duration of that campaign, allowing him to gain valuable experience in the Premier Soccer League. Like many players arriving at a new club, he needed time to adjust to a different playing style, tactical approach and environment. As the season progressed, he became increasingly comfortable within the squad and started to earn more opportunities on the field. His improvement over the course of the campaign demonstrated both his professionalism and his determination to establish himself at one of Africa’s biggest clubs.
Although his appearances were limited during the early part of the season, Ntsabeleng became a more regular feature during the second half of the campaign. He went on to make 14 appearances for Sundowns, with many of those matches showcasing his versatility and tactical awareness. His ability to operate in different midfield roles provided valuable options for the coaching staff during a busy fixture schedule. Beyond his work without the ball, he also made a meaningful contribution in attack by scoring three goals. Those performances suggested that he had successfully adapted to the team’s playing philosophy and was becoming an increasingly reliable member of the squad.
Sundowns have now reportedly exercised the option to keep Ntsabeleng at the club through a new agreement that will initially run until the end of the current MLS season. This arrangement benefits all parties involved, allowing the midfielder to continue his development while giving Sundowns continuity in an important area of the pitch. The extension also reflects the flexibility shown by FC Dallas, who have agreed to prolong his stay in South Africa. Maintaining stability within the squad is important for Sundowns as they prepare for another season filled with domestic and continental challenges. Keeping players who already understand the team’s system reduces the need for additional adjustments ahead of the new campaign.
The timing of the agreement comes as Major League Soccer resumes following its temporary suspension during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada. FC Dallas have returned to action in the Western Conference, where they currently occupy fifth place in the standings. Despite the restart of the MLS season, the American club has shown a willingness to allow Ntsabeleng to remain with Sundowns until the end of the year. The decision suggests that Dallas believe the midfielder’s continued development through regular football in South Africa could be beneficial. It also reflects the positive working relationship between the two clubs in managing the player’s future.
For Ntsabeleng, remaining at Sundowns provides another valuable opportunity to cement his place under Miguel Cardoso. Competition for places in Sundowns’ midfield is always intense because of the quality available throughout the squad. Even so, the 28-year-old has shown that he possesses the intelligence, discipline and technical ability required to compete at the highest level. His versatility allows him to fill different roles depending on the tactical demands of each match, making him a useful asset throughout a long season. Continued improvement could see him become an even more influential figure within the team over the coming months.
His retention is particularly important as Sundowns prepare to move forward without the late Jayden Adams. Any change in midfield personnel creates new opportunities for other players to take on greater responsibility within the squad. Ntsabeleng’s familiarity with the team’s tactical approach places him in a strong position to contribute more consistently during the upcoming fixtures. The coaching staff will likely value his composure on the ball, work rate and ability to link defensive and attacking phases of play. These qualities could become increasingly important as Sundowns pursue success in every competition they enter.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to retain Tsiki Ntsabeleng demonstrates the club’s commitment to maintaining quality and stability as preparations for the new season continue. After a promising first campaign in which he gradually established himself, the midfielder now has the chance to take another step forward in his career. His continued stay strengthens the club’s midfield options while providing valuable continuity for Miguel Cardoso’s squad. With FC Dallas supporting the extended arrangement and the player eager to prove himself, both the club and the midfielder will hope this partnership delivers even greater success. As Sundowns aim to challenge for more trophies, Ntsabeleng has every opportunity to become an increasingly important part of the team’s ambitions.
