Despite their participation in multiple tournaments, including the CAF Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup next year, Mamelodi Sundowns are planning to loan out players that the technical team and management consider surplus to current requirements.
As was previously reported by Soccer Laduma, winger Lesiba Nku is expected to be loaned out, and now, another insider has indicated that right-back Zuko Mdunyelwa is believed to also be set for a loan move.
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Siya sources close to the club added that discussions are thought to be underway to send Mdunyelwa on loan as early as January. If no team is found by then, a move at the start of next season is the other possibility.
"The negotiations have been going on for some time now for him to be loaned out and the technical team is happy with that idea because it will give him more game time. He is a good player, it's just that at the moment the coaches prefer Khuliso Mudau or Thapelo Morena and the now injured Kegan Johannes. So, they would rather have those three, and loan out Mdunyelwa. They will be monitoring the situation with Mudau and if it happens he moves to Europe or North Africa then they can recall Mdunyelwa from his loan. But for now, they feel the best solution is to loan Zuko out," the Siya source stated.
A second insider highlighted that Mdunyelwa's challenges might stem from his time under Manqoba Mngqithi where he also saw limited playtime.
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"You see even under Manqoba Mngqithi he didn't play that much. Yes, he is competing with Khuliso (Mudau) which is very difficult but also even when Mudau was not playing Mdunyelwa was also not playing and they signed Kegan Johannes when he was already here. It's because he is Rulani Mokwena's player and he is having a difficult time to play but since his contract runs until June 2027 then the loan move is the best decision. There is no deal yet but maybe by the end of the January transfer window period something could happen," the second insider stated.
25-year-old Mdunyelwa joined Sundowns from Chippa United in January this year. Under Mokwena, he played many games in his debut half-season but has hardly appeared this season when his coach left for Wydad Casablanca. Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment but the club did not respond by the time this report was published.
Mdunyelwa's potential loan move reflects the Brazilians' strategic approach to managing player development and squad depth. By seeking valuable game time elsewhere, Mdunyelwa can continue his professional growth, ensuring he remains a viable option for the club's future endeavours.
