Former Mamelodi Sundowns holding midfielder Tiyani Mabunda has spoken out about why he believes the club has laid a great foundation that’s going to be helpful in the next 10 to 15 years.
In the past seasons, Sundowns have been a dominant side in the Betway Premiership, winning seven league titles in a row.
On the continent, the Tshwane giants have always reached the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League season after season. However, they always fail towards the end of the campaign. The only time they reached the final and won the Champions League was in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane.
Masandawana have top players in their squad to help them compete for every trophy they challenge for. Currently, they have the likes of Lucas Ribeiro, Ronwen Williams, Peter Shalulile, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau and Marcelo Allende.
TIYANI MABUNDA FEELS LIKE SUNDOWNS HAVE GREAT YOUNGSTERS FROM THE ACADEMY WHO WILL DO WELL IN FUTURE
The 36-year-old says that, with the youngsters Sundowns have from the academy, the club will be covered for the next 10 to 15 years. The Tshwane giants have academy graduates like Malibongwe Khoza, Kutlwano Letlhaku, and Siyabonga Mabena in their senior squad.
This season, Khoza has played 15 matches and scored one goal, and Mabhena has played three games. Letlaku has made 15 appearances, scored three goals and grabbed two assists.
Previously, Sundowns have had players like Cassius Mailula, Sphelele Mkhulise and Percy Tau who came from the development and did well for the senior team.
“For the next 10-15 years, Sundowns is set. It shows that there is great work that is done in the development,” Mabunda told FARPost.
“We have players like Malibongwe [Khoza] coming in, we have players like Kutlwano [Letlhaku] and players like [Siyabonga] Mabena. The list goes on, it tells you about the hard work that has been done at the development side.
“We look forward for many other players, we’ve seen the likes of [Sphelele] Mkhulise coming forward and he’s showing great talent within the set-up.”
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