A young defender who has struggled for regular game time at one of South Africa's biggest clubs is surprisingly drawing attention from European suitors, with scouts reportedly monitoring his progress despite limited first-team opportunities.
The talented youngster, currently representing South Africa at youth international level, has caught the eye of overseas scouts even though he finds himself behind established players in the pecking order at Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Insiders close to both the player, Asekho Tiwani and the club have indicated that there have been enquiries regarding the left back who joined the club at the start of the season.
These insiders added that Tiwani has apparently attracted interest from a club in France's second division who have been following his progress both at club and national team level.
"It's not the first time he has this interest. Sundowns signed him from Sekhukhune United because there was other interest from Europe but Sundowns moved in fast. Now it's believed one of those clubs have reignited that interest. Apparently it's a club from France. They are still working on logistics and it's hard to say which club it is at the moment but the interest is there," the source told the Siya crew.
A second source very close to both the player and the club has indicated that the injury he suffered while with the Under-20 national team in Egypt could disturb his immediate progress.
"Yes, it's believed that's it's not a serious injury and that he could only be out for about three weeks but that could disturb his progress as the scouts were following him even in Egypt. But it's not a train smash. He is a great player still, young and his future is bright. The interest is there and I don't think they can stop just because of this," the second insider revealed.
Tiwani was signed by Sundowns at the start of the current season from Sekhukhune United where he had played many games. At Sundowns the 19-year-old is facing competition from experienced players in Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba and he has only featured in some matches so far this season.
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This developing situation highlights the growing international visibility of South African talent, even for players not consistently featuring at club level. For Tiwani, the European interest represents both validation of his potential and a possible pathway to regular first-team football. Sundowns now face a delicate balancing act – nurturing a promising talent with significant transfer value while managing a squad packed with established stars.
With the summer transfer window approaching, the coming weeks could prove decisive for the young defender's future, as both the French club and potentially other European suitors weigh up a formal approach for one of South Africa's most promising defensive prospects.
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