Signed and never touched the ball: Mamelodi Sundowns’ unused recruits
With the DStv Premiership reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns known for their robust approach in the transfer market, FARPost looks at the club’s unused signings since the 2018/19 season.
Sundowns have cemented their status as the undisputed kings of South African football. After a historic six consecutive DStv Premiership titles.
The Brazilians show no signs of slowing down. Currently perched atop the league table with a commanding 56 points after just 22 matches, Sundowns are on a clear path to securing an unprecedented seventh straight championship trophy.
In the current campaign, Sundowns also clinched the inaugural African Football League[AFL] after beating Wydad Casablanca 3-2 on aggregate in the final.
THE LIST OF MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SIGNINGS WHO NEVER PLAYED FOR THE CLUB
Sundowns’ success has attracted some of the talented footballers across the African continent and overseas. Here are Sundowns signings who never touched the ball.
Luvuyo Phewa
The highly-rated attacker is currently on a season-long loan with Cape Town Spurs after signing ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Luvuyo Phewa is on his second loan spell after spending the last six months of the previous season with CT Spurs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship as they gained promotion to the top-flight.
The former SA junior international also had loan stints at Chippa United and AmaTuks between 2021 and 2022.
Phewa joined Masandawana in 2020 from the then second-tier side Real Kings but he’s yet to feature for the club.
LOANEE THABANG SIBANYONI IMPRESSING AT AMATUKS
Thabang Sibanyoni
Sibanyoni, who came through Sundowns’ development ranks in 2019, is currently on loan at AmaTuks and is competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The goal-poacher has yet to feature in Sundowns’ yellow jersey despite proving his goal-scoring ability. Sibanyoni has scored eight goals across all competitions for Tuks.
The 28-year-old also turned out for JDR Stars, Sekhukhune United and SuperSport United in different loan spells between 2019 and 2024.
Ismail Watenga
The Ugandan goalkeeper signed for Kabo Yellow in 2020 and was sent on loan to Chippa United. Watenga is currently spending a one-year loan at Golden Arrows and is itching to get his chance at Sundowns. He was on loan last season at Arrows.
Watenga also spent some time out on loan at Marumo Gallants, who are now playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Etiosa Ighodaro
The Nigerian international is one of the proven goal-scorers in the PSL. However, he hasn’t gotten a run for Sundowns since he was signed from Abuja College in July 2021. Ighodaro is currently on loan at SuperSport United and he has scored eight goals in 30 games in all competitions.
Ighodaro has also featured for AmaTuks and Chippa United on loan, where he impressed by scoring goals
Luís Miquissone
Miquissone, who is on the books of Tanzanian giants Simba SC, was signed by Sundowns in 2018 and sent on two loan spells at Chippa United. The Mozambican star eventually left the Tshwane giants without making an official appearance.
Katlego Otladisa
The skilful winger who is currently playing his football for Orlando Pirates had an unsuccessful stay with Sundowns.
Otladisa signed for the 2016 CAF Champions League winners in January 2019 from the now-defunct Platinum Stars. Three years later, he left the club without being given an opportunity to join Marumo Gallants.
After impressing in the colours of Gallants and helping the club reach the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup last season, the latter earned himself a big move to Pirates.
NYIKO MOBBIE AND KATLEGO MOHAMME AMONG PLAYERS WITH LIMITED GAME-TIME AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Meanwhile, players such as Nyiko Mobbie, Katlego Mohamme, Grant Margeman, Siphesihle Mkhize, Pule Maraisane, Keletso Makgalwa, and Erwin Saveerda are some of the big names that were subjected to limited game time after signing with Sundowns in recent times.
Mobbie and Mohamme are the only players still contracted to Downs. They are on loan at Sekhukhune United, whereas the other players left the club permanently.
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