Despite planning to streamline their squad with several player releases, Mamelodi Sundowns are reinforcing their commitment to youth development, with another promising talent set to make the step up to senior football.
With youngsters Siyabonga Mabena, Malibongwe Khoza, and Kutlwano Letlhaku already integrated into the first-team environment, Sundowns are now preparing to elevate another highly-rated prospect from their development ranks.
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Sources close to both the club and player have indicated that the Brazilians' technical team has recommended the promotion of 17-year-old midfield sensation Tshiamo "Gaddafi" Masisi to the senior squad ahead of the upcoming season.
"There are a few DDC players which the club is believed to be looking at promoting from this season going forward. Apparently, they want their investment in the youth development to start showing positive fruit and Gaddafi is one of the youngsters recommended by the senior technical team for promotion this season," the source told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile, a second insider stated that Sundowns' management has adopted a more fiscally responsible approach to squad building, prioritising academy graduates over expensive transfers when possible.
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"It's an approach where they only sign a player who is exceptionally or extremely good, more than what they have in their development. They want to reap the fruits of investing in youth by promoting them to the senior team and giving them more game time and developing them for different national team levels. Tshiamo is earmarked for promotion this season as well," the second insider told the Siya crew.
The 17-year-old midfielder, who hails from Rustenburg in North West Province, joined Sundowns' development program in 2016 and has progressed steadily through the ranks, impressing at each level during his formative years with the club.
This youth-focused approach represents a potential shift in Sundowns' recruitment philosophy, balancing their ability to attract established stars with their desire to become a premier developer of South African talent.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment and the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
