Sundowns bid farewell to five players in post-club World Cup reshuffle

Mamelodi Sundowns have officially confirmed the departure of five players as part of their off-season squad reshuffle, following their early exit at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

The reigning Betway Premiership champions announced on Monday that Sanele Tshabalala, Thabang Sibanyoni, Sifiso Ngobeni, Lucas Suarez, and Sipho Mbule have all left the club, as preparations intensify for the 2025/26 season.

Goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala, who joined Sundowns in 2020, leaves without having made a senior appearance. 

The 25-year-old goalkeeper was part of several title-winning squads but failed to crack the first-team pecking order and will now look for opportunities to revive his career elsewhere.

Striker Thabang Sibanyoni, a product of the club’s development system, exits after spending much of his time out on loan. 

Despite showing promise during his loan spells, he could not break into a high-powered Sundowns attack.

Sifiso Ngobeni, once considered a future regular at left-back, also moves on after struggling to earn consistent minutes. 

He spent last season on loan at AmaZulu but with stiff competition in defence, Ngobeni was unable to solidify his place and now departs in search of a fresh start.

Argentinian defender Lucas Suarez was signed on loan to add depth to the backline and did receive several opportunities, including in key domestic and continental fixtures. 

However, his time at Chloorkop was marred by high-profile errors that cost the team on more than one occasion. The technical team ultimately opted not to exercise the option to make his stay permanent.

The final departure is that of Sipho Mbule, whose exit perhaps carries the most significance. 

Signed from SuperSport United in a high-profile move, the midfielder arrived with big expectations but was often sidelined by fitness and disciplinary issues. 

Despite moments of quality, Mbule failed to live up to his potential and has since joined Orlando Pirates as a free agent.

Sundowns issued a short statement thanking all five players for their contributions and wishing them well in their future endeavours.

The exits form part of a broader rebuild at Chloorkop following the club’s disappointing Club World Cup campaign, where they bowed out at the group stage. 

With ambitions to reclaim continental dominance and continue their domestic stranglehold, Sundowns are clearly making room for key additions and a more competitive squad heading into the new season.

The Brazilians are yet to make waves with their usual extravagant signings but have been linked with CAF Champions League Top Scorer Fiston Mayele from Pyramids FC amongst other high profile figures set to bolster coach Miguel Cardoso's team.