Mamelodi Sundowns have officially promoted South Africa junior international left-back Thato Sibiya from their DStv Diski Challenge side to the first team.
The SA Under-20 star Sibiya has been training with Miguel Cardoso’s men this season while playing for the reserve outfit, but he has now been handed his first professional contract. While he will continue playing for the DDC team, the 19-year-old is now officially a first-team player.
Despite training with the senior side for some time now, he is yet to make his debut in professional football.
“Congratulations to our client, Thato Sibiya, who has signed his first professional contract with Mamelodi Sundowns FC and been officially promoted to the First Team,” announced the player’s handlers, Jozi Talent Management.
“Having come through the Sundowns Academy and proven himself as a standout performer in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC], Thato’s journey reflects hard work, humility and perseverance. A massive milestone in a promising career – we’re proud to stand alongside you every step of the way.”
MORE DEPTH FOR SUNDOWNS AT LEFT-BACK
Sibiya was part of the Amajita team which won the 2025 Under-20 AFCON in Egypt, playing 90 minutes in the final against Morocco in May. He also went to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile and featured in two games.
After being an unused substitute against France and New Caledonia, Sibiya was selected to start in their last group game against the USA and the Round of 16 clash with Colombia.
Now that he is in the Masandawana first team, he faces stiff competition at left-back, competing against experienced players. He will be trying to convince Cardoso to pick him ahead of Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lungu, Fawaaz Basadien and his Amajita captain Asekho Tiwani.
Making his promotion interesting is that it comes at a time when the Brazilians loaned out another left-back, Terrence Mashego, to Durban City.
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