You snooze you lose? How Kaizer Chiefs lost out on latest Mamelodi Sundowns prospect!

Mamelodi Sundowns have been known for their blockbuster signings, but youth is definitely not neglected. 

Just in the January transfer window, Sundowns splashed the cash on a number of marquee signings. 

Despite already cruising in the DStv Premiership, Sundowns were the most active side in the January window. The Brazilians already had a nine-point gap on second placed Cape Town City, with three games in hand at the time. That did not stop them from pursuing a squad boost ahead of the second half of the season. Of course for them, they also have to factor continental commitments with hopes of a Club FIFA World Cup too.

Now with that on the horizon, Sundowns went and signed the Likes of Zukho Mdunyelwa, Matias Esquivel. Then when everybody thought that they had strengthened enough, they add Thembinkosi Lorch and Tashreeq Matthews. It was the signing of a talisman from their rivals, Pirates, which garnered the most headlines.

When you sign three top level attackers, that is bound to shake an already extensive pecking order. While the likes of Lebogang Maboe, Sphelele Mkhulise and Neo Maema are already feeling the pinch, imagine the youngsters. A player such as Siyabonga Mabena who featured prominently in first team matchday squads, has not done so this season. That may have made the DStv Diski Challenge stars discouraged. But they now have a new beacon of hope in Mabena’s former School of Excellence teammate Kutlwano Lethlaku. 

Lethlaku came on to make his Sundowns senior debut in the Nedbank Cup game against Maritzburg United on Sunday night. Now according to Soccer-Laduma he could’ve easily ended up at Kaizer Chiefs instead!

Sundowns beat Chiefs to Lethlaku?

“Chiefs faced the Transnet School of Excellence in the semi-Tnal of the competition where they emerged 2-1 winners, but the Chiefs bench were left in awe as Letlhaku, donning the number 10 jersey left the Amakhosi players in their wake. The standout performances of the teenager, according to Siya sources prompted Motaung to personally lead the pursuit of the player who was rightfully crowned Player of the Tournament. However, fast forward to one year later and Chiefs’ reluctance in full pursuit of the player saw Sundowns benefit. Letlhaku was snapped up by Sundowns last year, beating Chiefs to his signature and has featured prominently for the Brazilians’ DStv Diski Challenge side and was instrumental in Sundowns gallant second half display in the Nedbank Cup against Maritzburg United.” Wrote publication. 

With that being said, it seems like Chiefs are losing out to Sundowns with regards both senior and junior players. It will now be interesting to see how far Letlhaku makes it in the game.