Mamelodi Sundowns have kickstarted a major squad overhaul by confirming the release of five players as the club looks to regroup ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The move comes in the wake of their underwhelming showing at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where they failed to progress past the group stage.
In an official announcement released on Monday, the Betway Premiership champions revealed that Sanele Tshabalala, Thabang Sibanyoni, Sifiso Ngobeni, Lucas Suarez, and Sipho Mbule will not be part of the squad moving forward.
End of the Road for Tshabalala
Goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala, who joined the Brazilians in 2020, leaves without having made a senior appearance. Despite being part of several title-winning squads during his stay, the 25-year-old never managed to break into the highly competitive first-team setup. His departure now paves the way for a fresh start and the opportunity to pursue more game time elsewhere.
Development Graduate Sibanyoni Parts Ways
Thabang Sibanyoni, a product of Sundowns’ youth academy, also bids farewell after years spent mostly on loan at various clubs. Although he showed glimpses of promise during his loan stints, the striker couldn’t establish himself in Sundowns’ star-studded frontline. His exit signals a desire to find regular football at another club.
Ngobeni Moves On After Loan Spell
Left-back Sifiso Ngobeni exits following a season-long loan at AmaZulu. Initially seen as a long-term solution in defence, Ngobeni struggled to nail down a consistent spot due to fierce competition in the squad. With limited chances to prove himself, the 27-year-old defender will be seeking a fresh chapter in his career.
Suarez Loan Not Extended
Argentine defender Lucas Suarez, who joined Sundowns on loan to bolster their backline, also heads out the exit door. While he did feature in both domestic and continental competitions, his performances were mixed, with some costly mistakes proving decisive. The technical team has since decided against exercising the option to keep him at Chloorkop permanently.
Mbule’s Exit Raises Eyebrows
The most high-profile departure is that of Sipho Mbule. The midfielder arrived amid much fanfare from cross-town rivals SuperSport United but struggled to deliver on the expectations placed on him. Hampered by ongoing fitness and disciplinary concerns, Mbule failed to cement his place in the squad. Despite brief flashes of brilliance, the 26-year-old couldn’t live up to his billing and has now joined Orlando Pirates as a free agent.
Mamelodi Sundowns Making Room for a New Era
In a brief but respectful statement, Sundowns thanked all five players for their services and wished them the best in their future endeavours. The clear-out marks the beginning of what appears to be a broader rebuild strategy as the Brazilians seek to bounce back from their international disappointment.
The club is rumoured to be targeting some big names in the transfer market, including CAF Champions League top scorer Fiston Mayele from Pyramids FC. With new head coach Miguel Cardoso at the helm, Sundowns are aiming to reshape the squad with more depth, hunger, and consistency as they prepare for another demanding season both locally and on the continent.
As the dust settles on the departures, all eyes are now on who Sundowns will bring in to reinforce their ambitions and ensure they remain a dominant force in South African and African football.
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