Cardoso endorses Sundowns star’s move to France – ‘Lille is a good school’

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has endorsed Thato Sibiya’s imminent move to French Ligue 1 club Lille, calling it a “fantastic opportunity” for the young defender’s career.

The 20-year-old has become one of South Africa’s most exciting prospects, having played a pivotal role in the national U20 team’s victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and their subsequent campaign at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

After joining the Sundowns first team for their pre-season camp in Austria, Sibiya is now poised to continue his journey in Europe.

Why Cardoso is supporting Sibiya’s move

Reports suggest that Sundowns have agreed to a loan deal with Lille, which includes an option to make the transfer permanent. Cardoso, who has prior coaching experience in France, believes the move offers an ideal, albeit challenging, environment for the defender’s growth.

“Regarding Thato, it’s a fantastic opportunity,” Cardoso stated on Monday as quoted by IOL. “It’s also at the same time a very, very competitive environment that he’ll face. Obviously, I think he’s ready for the challenge.”

🚨🇿🇦➡️🇫🇷 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐎 𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐘𝐀’𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄

🗣️ “It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Miguel Cardoso believes Thato Sibiya’s move to Lille could be important not only for his development, but for the future of South African football. 👏🏾🔥

𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫… pic.twitter.com/MKx1w1y6j6

— BlackMarco Sports Clothing (@BlackMarcoSC) August 17, 2026

“As you know, I coached in France, so I know very well the club he goes to, I know very well the facilities that they have, I know very well the stability in terms of the process of developing young players,” he added.

Fantastic opportunity for Sundowns star

The Portuguese coach emphasised that Sibiya’s development is a long-term process that will extend far beyond his arrival in France. He also highlighted the unique demands of French football, which he described as fast-paced and physically intense.

“French football is very special, it’s a very flat football. He will have to cope with a lot of fast players, it’s a game of transition, a lot of exploitation of spaces,” he explained. “In some moments it can be compared to our game, but Lille is a good school of football, a team that likes to play good football.”

While the move means Sundowns could lose a promising talent before he fully establishes himself at Chloorkop, Cardoso urged a broader perspective. He views Sibiya’s development abroad as a long-term investment that could ultimately benefit both the club and the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.