Mamelodi Sundowns FC, one of Africa’s most successful and financially powerful clubs, has become a destination of choice for many South African footballers. However, not every move to the Brazilians has resulted in career advancement. Some players have seen their prospects diminish after joining the club, often due to limited playing time and increased competition. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has openly criticised this trend, stating that players are “choosing money and not career,” which can jeopardise their national team ambitions.
1. Jayden Adams
Jayden Adams was a standout at Stellenbosch FC, earning a call-up to Bafana Bafana for the 2023 AFCON. His transfer to Sundowns in January 2025 was seen as a step up. However, with the team’s midfield already packed with talent, Adams has struggled to secure regular playing time. Broos has warned that Adams risks missing out on both AFCON and World Cup opportunities if he remains on the bench. Many analysts suggest that staying at Stellenbosch might have been the wiser choice for his development.
2. Fawaaz Basadien
Fawaaz Basadien’s transfer from Stellenbosch FC to Sundowns in 2024 was anticipated to be a significant career move. However, he has found himself on the fringes, featuring just three times in league play. With competition from established players like Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba, Basadien has struggled to cement his place. Broos highlighted this as a cautionary tale, saying players often sacrifice career progression for financial gain. Basadien’s career momentum has slowed, showing that a high-profile move is not always the answer.
3. Thabiso Kutumela
Thabiso Kutumela arrived at Sundowns in 2022 with a strong record from Maritzburg United and Orlando Pirates. Yet he failed to break into the starting XI, spending much of his time on the bench or out on loan. Kutumela admitted that the lack of opportunities affected his love for the game, leaving him “losing interest” in football. By mid-2024, he had moved to Richards Bay FC, illustrating how even established forwards can see their confidence and form dip sharply when sitting out at Sundowns.
4. Oupa Manyisa
Oupa Manyisa, once the Orlando Pirates captain, joined Sundowns in 2017 and initially contributed to league success. But a serious Achilles injury in 2019 kept him sidelined for months. By the time his contract expired in 2020, Manyisa had barely played in over a year. Subsequent moves to lower-tier teams reflected a career trajectory that was severely affected by injuries and the competitive nature of Sundowns’ squad.
5. Rivaldo Coetzee
Rivaldo Coetzee was a high-profile signing in 2017 after a failed European move, but a severe knee injury kept him out for almost two years. On his return, he struggled to regain form in Sundowns’ star-studded defensive line. In 2025, Coetzee left Sundowns and began training with Sekhukhune United, highlighting how injuries and lack of consistent playing time can stall even the most promising careers.
Lessons From the Mamelodi Sundowns Path
These five players demonstrate a recurring pattern: joining one of Africa’s wealthiest clubs does not always equate to career growth. For some, it has meant decreased playing time, lost confidence, and stalled development. Hugo Broos’ warning resonates strongly: chasing big contracts without guaranteed minutes can jeopardise both club and international prospects. Sundowns remains a dream destination for many, but these cases underline the importance of carefully weighing career strategy against financial allure.
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