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The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Defender pens one-year extension with Sundowns
While Sundowns are yet to make an official announcement, Phakaaathi understands the contract extension has been finalised. Mosa Lebusa of Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, on 18 May 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix As previously reported by Mgosi Squad, Mamelodi Sundowns have extended Mosa Lebusa's contract by a further year, finalising the deal shortly before the team's departure for the FIFA Club World Cup. The 32-year-old defender, who joined the Brazilians from Ajax Cape Town in 2018, has been rewarded for his consistency, professionalism, and resurgence during the past season. ALSO READ: Chiefs' Nabi to stay – 'for now' Having spent time on the sidelines earlier in the campaign, Lebusa fought his way back into the starting line-up, making 15 appearances in the Betway Premiership and featuring in nine CAF Champions League matches. In total, he played 30 matches across all competitions. Despite speculation surrounding his future, with Stellenbosch FC reportedly keeping a close eye on developments, Lebusa has opted to remain in Tshwane, putting pen to paper on a new deal that keeps him at Chloorkop for at least another season. ALSO READ: Midfielder set for surprise Sundowns exit While Sundowns are yet to make an official announcement, Phakaaathi understands the contract extension has been finalised, ensuring Lebusa remains part of the squad as they prepare for the Club World Cup in the United States.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns tie down veteran defender
Mamelodi Sundowns have opted to tie down veteran defender Mosa Lebusa for another season. Sundowns had an option to renew Lebusa's initial contract which was set to expire on 30 June. And they have now triggered that option, thus, securing the services of one of their most valuable defenders. The 32-year-old left-footed centre-back featured in 30 competitive matches for Sundowns this past season and scored once. Overall, Lebusa has played 197 and scored nine goals for the Brazilians despite being a central defender. At some point, Lebusa appeared likely to lose his place in Miguel Cardoso's starting line-up following the arrival of Lucas Suarez. Mamelodi Sundowns captain Mosa Lebusa leads his team out during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns held at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 04 December 2021 © Shaun Roy/BackpagePix 'Mamelodi Sundowns have extended the stay of defender Mosa Lebusa for another season after he had a stellar finish to 2024/25 season,' reads iDiski Times report. 'This publication understands Sundowns opted to activate their option in his contract to prolong his stay at the club until June 2026.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Lebusa wary of Pirates' Champions League slayer
'Mayele is a very good player but we don't focus on one player. We focus on the team as a whole,' Lebusa added. Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa has highlighted the need to contain Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. © Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa has highlighted the need to contain Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Mayele, who played a key role in knocking out Orlando Pirates with a brace in the semi-final, has been in red-hot form, scoring eight goals in 11 matches to fire the Egyptian side into their first ever champions league final. ALSO READ: Ncikazi praises Pirates youngsters after win over SuperSport Utd Lebusa and his teammates know that keeping the prolific Congolese forward quiet will be crucial if Sundowns are to secure a second continental crown, and their first since lifting the title in 2016. 'Yes, Mayele is a very good player but we don't focus on one player. We focus on the team as a whole and try to make sure that we keep as far away from our box as possible,' Lebusa said at the club's Chloorkop headquarters on Wednesday morning. 'We have to make sure that we minimise their chances because in and around the box, he's (Mayele) very deadly. That's one thing we're looking at and helpfully we will succeed. We watched their games and it's not by chance that they are where they are. 'It's going to be difficult but we have a very strong technical team that has been analysing them and we also have been analysing as players to see where we can captilise on.' Masandawana have maintained a flawless defensive record on home soil during the knockout stages. They kept clean sheets against both Espérance and Al-Ahly in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Lebusa believes that another solid defensive display will be vital in their quest to secure Africa's most coveted club trophy, one that has slipped from their grasp for the past nine years. 'Any result where we don't concede will be good. We don't want to concede at home because we know that going away, we always have a goal in us,' he added. 'So we'll keep them away from our goal and if we get goals, then it will be a bonus for us. Every season, we felt like it was ours but we couldn't get past the semi-finals. ALSO READ: 40-year-old Onyango dismisses retirement talk 'However, we are taking it easy and we don't want to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves. We know we're close and it's on us as players to make sure that we bring the trophy home.'
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
We know what to do
'Getting closer to the business end of the season, you need to make sure you get maximum points,' said the Sundowns defender. Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa says experience is helping Mamelodi Sundowns keep their cool en route to an eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title. ALSO READ: Sundowns see off Chippa to move to brink of league title Sundowns have been pushed this season by Orlando Pirates. But they are now within one victory of effectively wrapping up another championship. Sundowns' Lebusa – 'A good shift' A 3-0 win over Chippa United at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday moved Sundowns 12 points clear of Pirates at the top of the table. 'It is very difficult,' Lebusa told SuperSport TV after picking up the Man-of-the-Match Award. 'Getting closer to the business end of the season, you need to make sure you get maximum points … and keep the opponent away from the box. I think everyone put in a good shift and we are glad we got the three points.' Lebusa added that Sundowns even felt pressure from the beginning of the season to maintain their stranglehold on the domestic league. 'We have been here before' 'Even in the beginning it is difficult,' he said. ALSO READ: PSL insists no extra tickets sold for Nedbank final 'We always try to measure ourselves against the previous season. It is a mental thing towards the end, fatigue also comes in. But we have been here before and we know what to do. So we keep on marching one game at a time.'
The Citizen
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Lebusa ready for the fire in Cairo
'Whenever we go to Cairo, it is always all guns blazing from minute one,' Lebusa told Sundowns TV. Mosa Lebusa says Sundowns need to defend better in Cairo. Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa says his side are ready for a Cairo showdown as Masandawana take on Al Ahly in the semifinals of the Caf Champions League this evening (kick off 6pm). ALSO READ: Radebe backs Pirates and Sundowns for Champions League success After the first leg of the semifinal in Tshwane ended in a goalless draw, Sundowns know they have it all to do at the Cairo International Stadium to progress. Sundowns to face hostile atmosphere Ahly are 12-time Champions League winners and victors in six of the last eight editions. They are also expected to have a rare capacity crowd of around 75 000 to cheer them on. The Egyptian government does not usually allow stadiums to be filled to capacity in Cairo. But Ahly are reported to have requested and received a special exemption for this match. 'Whenever we go to Cairo, it is always all guns blazing from minute one,' Lebusa told Sundowns TV. 'We have to make sure we minimise their attacks, that our rest defence is better and that we are in the right areas to close them down.' Sundowns were boosted at Loftus by the return from injury of club captain Themba Zwane. Zwane came on for the last 20 minutes, his first appearance since rupturing his Achilles tendon with Bafana Bafana in October. 'It is good to have the captain back. It gives the team an extra boost,' added Lebusa. 'Every player does but 'Mshishi' is one of a kind. We are happy he is back, you heard how the stadium (Loftus) was when he came on. 'But this is also a team sport, we all have common goals and want to achieve them.' Head coach Miguel Cardoso, meanwhile, has described Sundowns and Ahly as the two best teams on the continent. 'The two best teams in Africa' 'I still believe we can beat Al Ahly because we didn't lose to them in this match,' he told journalists after the draw at Loftus. 'There is still a lot to be played for. ALSO READ: Cardoso back Ribeiro to explode like 'ketchup' 'We are going there expecting a different match. Whoever goes through, the other team will not be happy. But whoever goes through will be strong because these are the two best teams in Africa.' One bonus for Sundowns is the clean sheet they kept at Loftus. With away goals counting double in the Champions League, if Cardoso's side can manage a score draw after 90 minutes in Cairo, they will progress to the final.
