With Mamelodi Sundowns closing in on signing Katlego ‘Tsiki’ Ntsabeleng, a scout who has tracked his progress provides insights into what the Brazilians can expect from the midfielder.
Ntsabeleng, who has spent the last seven years playing in the United States, is poised to join the defending Betway Premiership champions on loan from Major League Soccer [MLS] side FC Dallas.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who previously had stints in the youth structures of Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns, has been competing in MLS for the past two years. He is contracted to Dallas until December 2026.
The South African midfielder has made over 92 appearances for Dallas, scoring two goals and providing seven assists.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES TSIKI NTSABELENG POSSESS?
Prince Sobayeni, a digital football scout who has followed the talented midfielder’s career, has revealed what Sundowns fans can expect. While he is a versatile player who has been deployed in central midfield, on the wing and defensive midfield, most of his games have been in attacking midfield.
“He’s a good number 8, but he can also play as a 10. He’s your typical box-to-box midfielder, very skilful, and uses his skills to create space. He also makes late runs into the box, scoring nice rebounds or cutbacks from the wingers,” Sobayeni told FARPost.
“Tsiki is a very skilful player. Although he’s been in America for so long, he’s still your typical Kasi type of player with his flair. There have been a few times in America when he’s made waves for those nice skills in the middle of the park.
“He never lost his South African identity even when he was playing in the MLS. He’s going to excel in the PSL, especially playing in a midfield with someone like Teboho Mokoena.”
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