Mamelodi Sundowns to lose transfer target due to heart problem

Mamelodi Sundowns have built a strong squad over the years, that has become a championship winning machine, that tastement to their recruitment strategy.

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Sundowns are synonymous with paying big bucks for some of the biggest names in both local and international football and that doesn’t seem like stopping.

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Now besides all the big names Sundowns have also had their eye on some of the youngest up and coming talents in the country. The recent signing of Siyabonga Mabena from the School of Excellence, is just one of the latest examples of that. Even in the past Masandawana have been able to sign former players like Katlego Otladisa at a young age, but not all of the players go on to make it.

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But Sundowns is also known to sign young players from the continent with Ethiopian international Abubeker Nassir the latest example, having been signed from his native at the age of 21. Recently, they again went outside the country’s borders and to South Africa’s landlocked neighbours eSwatini where they discovered another promising youngster in Yeki Khumalo.

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Khumalo was recruited after impressing at the U20 COSAFA Youth 2022 tournament. Club legend and now talent scout Esrom Nyandoro is the one who is credited with bringing the player to the attention of Sundowns. Trusting their former captain, the Brazilians invited the player for trials and the likes of Rulani Mokwena were also believed to have been impressed by what they saw. 

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Now, Sundowns were not the only team to show an interest in Khumalo, with Italian side Pontedera so they could also have a look at him. That is where according to Soccer-Laduma, the problems began for the 20-year-old.

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“ A reliable source in Mbabane has confirmed that the player (Khumalo) failed a medical test after doctors discovered that his heart was larger than normal.” The publication wrote.

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They added that the player’s heartbeat is said to be normal, and has since been sent back home to be further assessed in eSwatini. To further compound Khumalo’s misery this discovery happened just after Sundowns had opened negotiations with his club Moneni Pirates. 

Still hope for Khumalo to Sundowns

Khumalo will now be holding his breath for the results of the latest assessment, and will hope it is positive news for both him and Sundowns.