Siwelele FC, the newly acquired team aiming for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, is actively assembling its squad, targeting a troubled trio from Mamelodi Sundowns.
The club obtained top-flight status through its acquisition of SuperSport United and will compete in the Betway Premiership.
Several players from Matsatsantsa, which Siwelele now owns, are nearing the end of their contracts. The club is seeking to reinforce its squad with new talent. Notably, Vincent Pule and Lyle Lakay are out of contract and awaiting clarity from their current club.
However, Thulani Hlatshwayo, who is reportedly set to reunite with Gavin Hunt at Durban City FC, Bradley Grobler, who will play for Sekhukhune United and Terrence Dzvukamanja are all on their way out of the club.
Training has already commenced in Johannesburg, and Siwelele is believed to have identified several key players who could be instrumental in helping the team settle into its debut season.
WHICH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TRIO IS SIWELELE TARGETING?
Siwelele have reportedly inquired about the availability of Neo Maema, a former player of Bloemfontein Celtic. The 29-year-old has seen his appearances significantly limited at Sundowns. In the 2024/25 season, he started only six matches and made 11 substitute appearances. He was included in the matchday squad 29 times out of a possible 54.
Another player they are considering is Terrence Mashego, who has also struggled for game time at the Brazilians. The former Cape Town City FC left-back started seven matches last season and was a substitute six times. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso preferred Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba at left back.
Siwelele is also targeting Kegan Johannes, whose transfer from SuperSport to Sundowns didn’t go as planned in the first season. Johannes only started two matches after recovering from injury and was brought on as a substitute four times. He is behind Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena in the right-back hierarchy.
Together with Mashego, they were left behind when Masandawana competed in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, some surprising faces appeared at a Siwelele friendly match. Jesse Donn, who announced his retirement from professional football last year, was spotted at a training match, indicating he may be eyeing a return to top-flight football with Siwelele.
Buhle Mkhwanazi, who left SuperSport at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic due to his stance on vaccinations, now appears open to reigniting his professional career.
Kamohelo Mahlatsi, formerly of Kaizer Chiefs, and Xola Mlambo, a former Orlando Pirates midfielder, are currently trying their luck with the club.
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