Sundowns Snap Up SA U17 Star Siyabonga Mbongo in Youth Power Move
Mamelodi Sundowns FC have once again underlined their long-term vision by securing the signature of highly rated teenager Siyabonga Mbongo from Remember Elite Sports Academy. The move reinforces the Tshwane giants’ reputation as one of the most decisive operators in the Premier Soccer League transfer market—especially when it comes to identifying elite young talent early.
Sundowns’ sustained success explains their pulling power. Eight consecutive league titles have set a benchmark in South African football, complemented by a steady haul of domestic trophies. On the continental stage, Masandawana added the inaugural African Football League crown in 2023 and reached the CAF Champions League final last season, cementing their status among Africa’s elite.
A pathway, not a shortcut
Mbongo’s arrival is very much aligned with Sundowns’ development model. The right-footed midfielder is expected to begin with the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side, a proven launchpad that has produced multiple senior regulars over the years. His progression will be carefully managed, with performance and readiness—rather than age—dictating when he enters first-team contention.
The teenager follows in the footsteps of his former academy teammate Joy Manana, who recently joined Orlando Pirates’ DDC outfit, underscoring the growing influence of Remember Elite Sports Academy in feeding the PSL’s top academies.
Youth investment continues
Mbongo’s signing comes months after Sundowns completed the acquisition of SA Under-17 goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe, a move that further illustrates the club’s commitment to building depth from the ground up. Together, the two youngsters are expected to feature prominently at youth level while being groomed within a high-performance environment geared toward elite outcomes.
In the most recent window, Sundowns also opted for balance—adding select reinforcements while keeping the squad streamlined under head coach Miguel Cardoso. New faces included Fawaaz Basadien, Nuno Santos, Miguel Reisinho, Tsiki Ntshabeleng and Aphelele Teto, the latter spending the 2025/26 campaign on loan at AmaTuks to accelerate his development through regular minutes.
A moment that announced Mbongo
Mbongo’s stock rose sharply in September 2025 when he scored the decisive goal in the COSAFA Under-17 Championship final against Angola. The strike not only delivered silverware for South Africa but also sealed qualification toward the 2026 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations pathway—an achievement that showcased his composure and knack for decisive moments on a big stage.
The bigger picture
With league action paused during the Africa Cup of Nations, Sundowns are using the window to refine structures across both senior and reserve squads. Sitting firmly in the title race, the margins at the top remain tight—making contributions from emerging talents increasingly valuable as the season unfolds.
For Mbongo, the challenge is clear: impress in the Diski Challenge, adapt to Sundowns’ demanding standards, and earn his pathway forward. For Sundowns, the message is consistent—dominance today, dynasty tomorrow, built on youth, planning and relentless ambition.