Mamelodi Sundowns dominated the headlines throughout the transfer window with a flurry of activity, from high-profile arrivals to big-name departures. Yet, a number of players have quietly exited the club without any official announcement from the Tshwane giants, leaving many fans surprised when their names surfaced elsewhere.
Publicised Departures Stole the Spotlight
During the off-season, several well-known players bid farewell to Chloorkop, with their exits widely reported. Among those who left were:
- Sipho Mbule
- Lebohang Maboe
- Sanele Tshabalala
- Thabang Sibanyoni
- Rivaldo Coetzee
- Lucas Suarez
- Neo Maema
- Sifiso Ngobeni
- Thembinkosi Lorch
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa
- Etiosa Ighodaro
- Matias Esquivel
- Rushine de Reuck
- Kobamelo Kodisang
- Terrence Mashego
These moves were well-documented, with club statements and media coverage confirming the departures and allowing supporters to keep track of changes to the squad.
The Mamelodi Sundowns Unannounced Exits
Beyond these high-profile exits, a number of players left the club quietly, without fanfare. These players were often on loan in recent seasons and had limited or no first-team opportunities at Sundowns. Their departures only came to light through their new clubs or coaches confirming the moves.
The players who quietly exited Chloorkop include:
- Luvuyo Phewa – previously loaned out several times, now joins University of Pretoria permanently.
- Siyanda Msani – left-back with no senior appearances, now at University of Pretoria.
- Ismail Watenga – goalkeeper, confirmed to be part of University of Pretoria’s squad by coach Kwanele Kopo.
- Ntando Nkosi – joined University of Pretoria on a permanent deal.
- Thando Buthelezi – after spending last season on loan at Richards Bay, now signed by the University of Pretoria.
Pathway for Development
Sundowns have built a reputation for their incredible squad depth, but this often means young players struggle to break into the matchday squad. For those who have now moved on, this represents an important opportunity to restart their careers and gain consistent playing time.
University of Pretoria, in particular, has become a strong pathway for players who have been developed at Chloorkop. Their signings of multiple former Sundowns players suggest they are intent on building a competitive side with players hungry to prove themselves.
A Fresh Start for Forgotten Talents
While the focus of the window has been on the arrivals of new stars and the departure of Sundowns’ key men, these quiet exits could be equally significant. Moving away from Chloorkop gives these players the chance to gain valuable minutes and reignite their careers, which could even see them return to the top flight in future.
For Sundowns, these exits help streamline their large squad, creating space for new signings to settle in while keeping the club balanced for the challenges of another demanding season in the Betway Premiership and on the continental stage.
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