Sundowns Starlet Stalls on New Deal Amid European Interest

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Kutlwano Letlhaku is weighing up his future, with indications that he may run down his current contract after rejecting an improved long-term offer in favour of pursuing a move to Europe.

The 19-year-old was reportedly offered a lucrative five-year extension by the Brazilians, but has so far declined to commit. Instead, he appears prepared to see out the remaining 18 months of his existing deal, which would allow him to leave as a free agent.

Last August, Sundowns blocked a proposed R30-million transfer to an unnamed Portuguese club, according to his agency, Centre Circle. The club rejected two formal bids, insisting they would not part with one of their brightest prospects, who joined from the School of Excellence in 2023.

Letlhaku’s profile has grown steadily over the past year. He featured briefly at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, coming off the bench against Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, before representing South Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, where Amajita exited in the round of 16. His performances there, across three matches, further increased his visibility to international scouts.

Despite Sundowns reopening negotiations with his representatives, Letlhaku has remained firm in his stance, preferring a transfer abroad rather than committing his long-term future to Chloorkop.

Speaking to SABC Sport, former Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana weighed in on the situation, urging balance between the player’s ambitions and the club’s interests.

“I love the boy and whatever they decide it needs to benefit everyone,” Kekana said. “I’d love to see him play regularly and keep growing. He scores goals and gets assists, but I don’t know if he’s ready to go overseas when he’s not playing regularly. It would be sad to see him go and then come back.”