Latest news with #Sundowns'
The South African
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Sundowns preparing Lucas Ribeiro goodbye?
Mamelodi Sundowns have not sold their top player since Percy Tau to Brighton and Hove Albion in July 2018. After a staggering 21 goals and 14 assists for Lucas Ribeiro last season, including the winning Goal of the tournament at the FIFA Club World Cup, Ribeiro is a wanted man. According to the newest reports, the 26-year-old Brazilian has left Sundowns' preseason camp in Rustenburg to prepare for his departure. Transfer news: Orlando Pirates' decisions on 22 players Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro rues a miss against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership. Image: Sowetan According to FARPost, Ribeiro stopped training with Kabo Yellow to focus on his pending transfer deal, with the Brazilian club said to be the favourites. Full details: Orlando Pirates' first match this week 'They [Sundowns] returned to Chloorkop last Monday and left for Rustenburg two days later,' FARPost reported. 'On Saturday, Ribeiro, who is a contender for the Footballer of the Year award, left the camp. ' FARPost can confirm that Ribeiro requested to leave camp with negotiations for his potential transfer at an advanced stage. Sundowns' options in the number 10 role if Rebeiro leaves: Note: Jayden Adams and Siphelele Mkhulise can play as 10s but are primarily central midfielders. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns plot next move for Malian star
Mamelodi Sundowns have taken a surprising turn in the current transfer window, keeping a low profile while rivals make headlines with aggressive signings. So far, the club have only secured Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC, an unusually quiet showing for a side known for dominating the local market. However, the reigning Premiership champions have now shifted their focus beyond South African borders in a calculated bid to bolster their squad with international quality. A trusted source has confirmed that the Brazilians are actively tracking Mali international Hama Sangare, a 27-year-old defensive midfielder currently on the books of Al-Kifl SC in the Iraqi Premier League. The source revealed, 'It's believed that it's the scouts and recruiters who have been following his progress and made recommendations to the technical team regarding Hama Sangare. He is a defensive midfielder and believed to be good for the type of football that Sundowns play. So that's the Malian midfielder they are eyeing so far.' Sundowns' interest in Sangare signals a strategic shift towards targeting lesser-known but high-potential talents from outside traditional scouting grounds. While both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have made waves with multiple signings during this transfer period, Sundowns appear to be playing the long game. The same source explained that the Tshwane giants are working behind the scenes on a broader recruitment plan, hinting at more international additions in the coming weeks. Sundowns' technical team seem to be favouring a data-driven and role-specific recruitment approach this time around, prioritising system compatibility over high-profile names. Although the club has yet to make a major splash. Their track record suggests Sundowns know exactly when to strike. With Sangare firmly in their sights, and a well-structured scouting process underway. The Brazilians may once again surprise their competitors with a decisive late-window swoop. Do Mamelodi Sundowns need a defensive midfielder? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Lucas Ribeiro set to exit Mamelodi Sundowns? Brazilian star walks
Lucas Ribeiro Costa has shocked Mamelodi Sundowns supporters by abruptly leaving the club's pre-season camp in Rustenburg on Saturday. According to FARPost , the in-demand forward requested to exit the camp as negotiations over a potential move reached an advanced stage. Sundowns are currently fine-tuning preparations at Royal Marang ahead of the 2025/2026 season. They will open their campaign on Sunday evening with a high-stakes MTN8 quarter-final clash against Richards Bay FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Ribeiro, a front-runner for the Footballer of the Year award, has become a crucial figure in the Sundowns' setup since his arrival in June 2023. His stellar performances helped Masandawana clinch an unprecedented eighth consecutive league title, with the Brazilian clocking 25 goal contributions in 51 appearances. Having resumed training on 21 July following their FIFA Club World Cup run, the team returned to Chloorkop before heading to Rustenburg. However, just days into camp, Ribeiro requested to leave, a move that may signal a looming transfer. 'Negotiations for his potential transfer are at an advanced stage,' source confirmed. Ribeiro's stock has soared following a breakout performance at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where he scored a dazzling solo goal against Borussia Dortmund — later crowned Goal of the Tournament. His displays have drawn attention from top clubs in Qatar, France, and Belgium. However, Brazilian giants Fluminense have emerged as front-runners. The 33-time Campeonato Carioca champions recently banked £15 million (approximately R350 million) from the sale of Colombian star Jhon Arias. And appear eager to reinvest in Ribeiro. Interestingly, Arias also impressed at the Club World Cup before Fluminense bowed out in the semi-finals against Chelsea. A trajectory that Ribeiro seems to be mirroring. Sundowns' decision to grant Ribeiro leave from the Rustenburg camp could serve as a major hint that the club is preparing for life without him. His availability for Sunday's showdown now hangs in the balance. Should Lucas Ribeiro leave Sundowns for greener pastures? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns keep it simple while rivals roll the dice on change
Mamelodi Sundowns have gone into the last eight seasons of what is now the most dominant league era in the history of football in South Africa with questions constantly being asked about who will eventually topple them. And just like every other season, the upcoming one will not be any different. Despite a lot of movement from their rivals in the transfer market, Sundowns' relatively quiet incoming traffic may work in their favour. Last season was one of the few campaigns where they were run close, and despite a slow start to the season, their finish made a massive statement as they comfortably clinched their eighth consecutive title in the end. With their sights also set on domestic trophies and the CAF Champions League, it will be yet another season where it's tough for the chased to knock them off their pedestal. They will head into the season once again with their cards stacked nicely for them. Here we will unpack three key reasons why they will likely continue their dominance in the coming season. Minimal change from last season There has been a lot made of Orlando Pirates' many new arrivals, with a host of impressive signings making their way into the home of the former CAF Champions League winners. Despite the excitement and the expectation that comes with all those signings, there will also be a concerning factor in terms of how long it might take for all the new arrivals to gel. Add to that the presence of a new coach in Abdeslam Ouaddou, and it's clear Pirates may need time to hit top gear.
The South African
4 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns make major statement with Berg
Mamelodi Sundowns have secured the services of sporting director Flemming Berg for another two years, ending months of speculation around his future. The Danish administrator, who arrived in 2022, will now continue to play a pivotal role in the club's ambitious growth strategy. Berg's new contract includes one significant change, he has personally removed a controversial clause that previously entitled him to a percentage of transfer fees involving players developed at the club's DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) structures. Why Berg's role remains crucial to Sundowns' vision When Sundowns unveiled Berg as their sporting director in April 2022, they described him as the architect set to elevate the club's footballing standards through his vast European experience. Berg had previously spent seven years as Head of Elite Football Development at the Danish Football Association (DFA), where he pioneered the acclaimed 'Talent ID' programme and implemented a cohesive playing philosophy across all levels. Under his leadership, Danish football embraced a youth-driven approach that delivered spectacular results, including a run to the UEFA Euro semi-finals and a climb in FIFA rankings from 46th to ninth between 2016 and 2021. 'His work was instrumental,' one club source said, 'in shaping not only the technical direction but also the mentality of our football department.' Before his tenure with the DFA, Berg served as an international scout for Chelsea for seven years, adding Premier League pedigree to his impressive CV. One of the more contentious elements of Berg's previous deal was a clause entitling him to around 10% of transfer fees for players developed through the DDC system. However, this clause raised concerns during the potential transfer of promising youngster Kutlwano Letlhaku. To avoid any conflict of interest or legal issues, Berg requested the removal of the clause from his new contract. The club honoured his request, and the clause does not appear in the renewed agreement. Since Berg's arrival, Sundowns have continued their domestic dominance, claiming an eighth consecutive league title. His tenure also aligned with the club's first CAF Champions League final appearance since 2016, under Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso, who took charge midway through the 2024/2025 season. At the FIFA Club World Cup, Masandawana delivered standout performances, further cementing their place among Africa's elite clubs. Berg has overseen strategic signings that have strengthened the squad, including the likes of Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Arthur Sales, and Tashreeq Matthews. His eye for emerging talent has also seen youngsters such as Malibongwe Khoza graduate to the senior team. A testament to Sundowns' deepening talent pool. Why did Mamelodi Sundowns even allow such a clause? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
