Mamelodi Sundowns have shown their commitment to nurturing young talent by looking to secure promising central defender Malibongwe Khoza to a long-term contract, the Siya crew has been informed.
After his impressive performances since being promoted from the youth development side, the club is set to tie him to a four-year deal with an additional one-year option, keeping him at Sundowns until at least June 2029.
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Insiders at the club informed Soccer Laduma that Sundowns not only see Khoza as the future of their team but also as an important figure in South African football.
"He has proven himself to the club that he can play at the highest level and the club have rewarded him with a four-year contract. But it comes with another one-year option which means that he could be at the club when he turns 25-years-old in June 2029. That's how much the club believes in him. Yes, he was playing on a development contract as he was promoted from the youth team but now it's believed that the new deal is as good as done and he is settled at the club," the Siya source stated.
A second insider noted that the Brazilians are increasingly focused on promoting talent from their own academy, aligning with their long-term business strategy.
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"You have to remember that Sundowns models their club around Barcelona since the partnership with the Johan Cruyff foundation days and that's why now they are promoting more of their own from the DDC because that's the succession plan that they have. It also helps keep the style of play and philosophy of the club and that's why Mali (Malibongwe Khoza) has been tied up for another four years. And you know, there are a lot of other youngsters in the team as well. That's the business strategy of it all. Invest more in the youth of the team and spend less. Then if the time comes then sell them at a higher price to Europe. You remember Percy Tau, Keagan Dolly, Siyanda Xulu and even Bongani Zungu? That's the route they want to take," the second source stated.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
20-year-old Malibongwe Khoza, a native of Mamelodi, joined Sundowns' youth academy at the age of 12, progressing from the Under-13 level up to the DDC team before being promoted to the senior squad this season. In his brief time with the senior team, he has already made an impact by playing in CAF Champions League games and scoring a goal, as well as participating in Betway Premiership league matches and a Carling Knockout game.
