Mamelodi Sundowns determined to get Mabena to Europe

Mamelodi Sundowns are not known to be a selling club, with it taking big money for them to release someone.

With Sundowns often being able to attract the cream of the crop, with top players leaving them for Europe.

Examples of this in the past have been Cassius Mailula, who left Sundowns for Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. Before that, Percy Tau left for Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League for reported R50 million record fee. Furthermore, Bongani Zungu also left the Brazilians for one of Europes top leagues, in Portugal. 

After Bafana Bafana’s strong showing at AFCON, it is no surprise that Sundowns players have garnered interest abroad. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena was one of the standout players at the AFCON and is tipped to be the next export. Should that happen in the next transfer window, it is believed that the club could be ready to ask for a new transfer fee record of R90 million. 

But while Sundowns might prefer to keep their big hitters, there seems to be a different strategy at youth level. This is because, according to The Citizen, the club are aiming to send talented youngster Siyabonga Mabena to Europe. This through their Portugal-born head of development Paulo Cardoso.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LOOKING TO EXPORT MABENA TO EUROPE?

“I have never seen someone who is so dedicated to the youth and believes in youngsters like him. He knows talent, there is no doubt about that. He thinks that young players need to be exposed to a big stage at a very young age. Cardoso wants to see more young players being given a chance in the senior team and fortunately, that’s what coach Rhulani (Mokwena) also wants. There are many Siyabonga Mabenas at the club, so, we are going to see many of them playing in the DStv Premiership, but the main thing is to see them playing abroad. Many people see Sundowns buying players and think that the club doesn’t care about young players. But there has been a lot of progress in the youth structures.” Said the source.

The source goes on further to elaborate why Cardoso’s track record bodes well for Mabena at Sundowns.

“Coach Cardoso has been with the team for a few months, but you can see the many changes he has brought. He is the reason why the KZN Academy is so successful, that’s why many players from that academy are now playing in Europe.” Concluded the source. 

Mabena has found himself further from first opportunities at Sundowns this season, with several superstars signed.