Mamelodi Sundowns are facing a critical decision as their key stars’ contracts near expiration—will Kaizer Chiefs seize the opportunity?
With only three months remaining in the 2024/2025 season, several of Mamelodi Sundowns’ key players, including Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau, and Peter Shalulile, are set to become free agents in June. This puts clubs like Kaizer Chiefs on high alert, eager to bolster their squads with proven talent.
Sundowns’ Contract Conundrum As the reigning Betway Premiership champions, Sundowns are under pressure to make quick decisions about which players to keep and which to let go. With the club’s title ambitions at stake and the need for squad depth, the clock is ticking for them to secure the futures of these players.
The Case of Themba Zwane One of the most pressing concerns is captain Themba Zwane, whose one-year contract extension is set to expire in June 2025. Despite battling an Achilles injury this season, the veteran midfielder remains a crucial figure at the club. After over a decade at Sundowns, he has cemented his legacy as one of the club’s greatest players. It is expected that the club will offer him a new deal, but time is running out.
Mudau and Shalulile’s Contracts Also Expire Right-back Khuliso Mudau and star striker Peter Shalulile are also nearing the end of their contracts. Mudau, who joined Sundowns in 2020, has developed into one of the PSL’s top full-backs, impressing both at club and national team levels. Shalulile, the prolific Namibian striker, has been a key player for Sundowns since 2020, boasting impressive stats of 98 goals and 26 assists in 187 appearances.
Kaizer Chiefs in the Hunt With these key players entering the final months of their contracts, PSL clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs, are watching the situation closely. Under FIFA rules, players in the last six months of their contracts are free to negotiate pre-contract deals with new clubs.
If Sundowns fail to act swiftly, rivals like Chiefs could swoop in and secure these stars, potentially altering the balance of power in South African football. The big question remains: will Sundowns lock down their key players, or will Kaizer Chiefs make their move? Keep watching as this story unfolds.
