Mamelodi Sundowns are known to have a very big squad and when you add those on loan, it is inevitable that a huge clear out is long overdue!
Before the upcoming season, Mamelodi Sundowns are prepared to cut certain players from their roster, according to rumors.
Sundowns will need to let go of a number of players in order to improve team chemistry because their roster is too bloated.
Sundowns has made significant squad investments just in the last two seasons. Even in comparison to their competitors’ offseason windows, the January transfer window was arguably the strongest. In total, they signed Lucas Ribiero, Bathusi Aubaas, Thapelo Maseko, Junior Mendieta, and Lesiba Nku last season. Thembinkosi Lorch, Tashreeq Matthews, Zukho Mdunyelwa, and Matias Esquivel were then added in January.
MASS EXODUS LOADING?
Although that has clearly strengthened an already strong Sundowns side, it has also pushed others down the pecking order. Now one needs to ask themselves. If Neo Maema, Lebohang Maboe, Siphelele Mkhulise, Gaston Sirino and Musa Lebusa are struggling, what about those on loan. About 15 players will be returning from loan and it does not look like many of them have a chance to stay. Perhaps the one with the best chance is goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.
Some current senior players are also expected to leave Sundowns. Midfielder Bongani Zungu has already announced his departure. According to iDiski Times he is set to be followed out the door by Sirino, Brian Onyango and Sammy Seabi. The publication also states that Mkhulise will have his contract expire at the end of the month, but talks for a new deal are there. It is not far fetched for the player to long at his current position at the club and seek regular football elsewhere. The club may well run out of patience for the injury prone duo of Abubaker Nasir and Erwin Saavedra as well. That could take it up to seven senior departures.
UP TO 19 PLAYERS TO LEAVE SUNDOWNS?
Then when you look at the players that are returning from loan, they’re not expected to impact the first team. Thabiso Kutumela, Sidney Mobbie, Etiosa Ighadaro, Nicholas Lukhubeni, Thabiso Kutumela, Siyanda Msani, Ismail Watenga, Sifiso Ngobeni, and Thabang Sibanyoni could all agitate for permanent moves or to be released. The same could be Luvuyo Phewa, Malebogo Modise and Promise Mkhuma could be more open to another loan. The trio will also understand, however, that they’re not getting any younger and might need to look beyond Sundowns to make it.
So with all things considered, there could be a situation where Sundowns offload up to 19 players next season! Masandawana, comment below which of the above you would keep!
