Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Lesiba Nku is reportedly on the verge of joining Stellenbosch FC, as the talented forward is said to be closing in on a move away from the reigning DStv Premiership champions. The potential transfer has sparked a ripple of activity at Sundowns, with other players who were previously signed under former head coach Rulani Mokwena now believed to be considering their options and potentially looking for greener pastures elsewhere.
Nku, who joined Sundowns in 2022, has found first-team opportunities limited due to the competition for places in the star-studded Sundowns squad. With players like Peter Shalulile, Cassius Mailula, and Kermit Erasmus ahead of him in the pecking order, Nku’s playing time has been sporadic. As a result, the 25-year-old forward is reportedly keen to secure more regular game time, and a move to Stellenbosch, a club known for giving young players opportunities to shine, appears to be the ideal option for him at this stage in his career.
Stellenbosch, who have been steadily building a competitive squad in recent seasons, are seen as a club where Nku could find the space and freedom to flourish. Under coach Steve Barker, Stellenbosch has become a club that focuses on player development and offers a platform for those who might not be getting enough game time at bigger clubs. Nku’s potential move could provide the fresh start he needs to regain his confidence and showcase the talent that once made him one of the most exciting prospects in South African football.
However, Nku’s situation is far from unique at Mamelodi Sundowns. Since Rulani Mokwena’s appointment as head coach, there have been several signings made to strengthen the squad and ensure the club remains dominant in both domestic and continental competitions. However, many of the players brought in under Mokwena are now finding it difficult to secure regular starting positions due to the intense competition for spots in the Sundowns team.
With Sundowns boasting an array of talented players across all positions, it is not surprising that some of these signings are reportedly eyeing moves away from the club in search of more consistent playing time. A number of players, particularly those who were brought in under Mokwena’s tenure, may look to secure moves to clubs where they can feature more prominently and continue their development.
While Sundowns’ squad depth is one of the club’s strengths, it can also be a challenge for players who are not able to break into the first team. In a team where competition is fierce, players like Nku, who are often relegated to substitute appearances or limited roles, may begin to seek moves where they can play a more central role. As a result, a potential exodus of players who signed during Mokwena’s tenure could be on the cards as these individuals look to revitalize their careers elsewhere.
Mamelodi Sundowns, for their part, will likely be willing to let some players go in order to streamline their squad and possibly reinvest in areas where they feel they need to strengthen further. The club’s main priority, however, will always be to maintain their dominance in both domestic and continental competitions, and they will no doubt ensure that any players leaving the squad do so with minimal disruption to their plans for the future.
For Nku, the move to Stellenbosch could represent the start of an exciting new chapter. If he can find regular playing time and regain his form, he could once again become one of the league’s most promising forwards. As for the other players who may be on the move from Sundowns, it will be interesting to see where they end up, as the market for talented footballers in South Africa continues to heat up. Regardless of where these players end up, the ripple effect of Nku’s possible departure from Sundowns highlights the ongoing reshuffling at the club and the competitive nature of South African football, where even top players can sometimes find themselves in search of new opportunities.
