Mamelodi Sundowns youngster Thato Sibiya is edging closer to a move to French Ligue 1 outfit Lille OSC, with the proposed deal at an advanced stage. FARPost understands that Lille want to take the 20-year-old defender on loan with an option to buy, while Sundowns are receptive to the proposal and keen to see the move materialise.
The deal has not yet been finalised, with a few formalities still needing to be completed before Sibiya can make the switch to France. However, negotiations have progressed significantly, with both clubs working towards an agreement.
Lille have been monitoring Sibiya’s progress and have now stepped up their interest in the youngster. The proposed loan would allow him to continue his development in Europe, while giving the French club the option to make his stay permanent should he impress.
The potential move comes after Sibiya struggled to secure regular playing time at Chloorkop, despite making his first-team breakthrough during the 2025/26 season.
Sibiya was part of the South Africa Under-20 squad at last year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile, where he played an important role in the team. He was subsequently promoted to the Sundowns senior team midway through the 2025/26 campaign and handed an early taste of first-team football under coach Miguel Cardoso.
Cardoso showed faith in the youngster by handing him starts in both CAF Champions League matches against Al Hilal of Sudan. Sibiya featured in the 2-2 draw in Pretoria before playing in the 2-1 defeat away in Rwanda.
THATO SIBIYA FACES TOUGH COMPETITION AT SUNDOWNS
His other appearances came in domestic competitions. He featured in the league opener against Orbit College before starting in the Nedbank Cup against TS Galaxy, with Sundowns losing 2-0 to the eventual finalists. Sibiya’s biggest challenge has been breaking into a Sundowns squad packed with established options.
Aubrey Modiba has remained the preferred option at left-back, although Divine Lunga was introduced in the second half of Saturday’s clash against Kaizer Chiefs. Fawaaz Basadien and Asekho Tiwani also provide further competition for places.
With opportunities limited at Sundowns, a move to Europe could provide Sibiya with valuable exposure and a clearer pathway to regular first-team football.
Lille’s interest is particularly intriguing given the French club’s track record of developing young players. The club also has a South African connection through Sundowns striker Lebo Mothiba, who came through Lille’s youth structures after joining their academy as a teenager.
Mothiba progressed through the ranks before making his senior debut for Lille and later represented clubs including Valenciennes and Strasbourg.
RELATED STORY: Miguel Cardoso explains how Cassius Mailula solved Sundowns’ attacking dilemma
