NDAMANE: Sundowns Strike As Bafana Defender Heads to Chloorkop
Mamelodi Sundowns appear to have refreshed their left-centre back options, with reports indicating that TS Galaxy defender Khulumani Ndamane is on his way to Chloorkop.
The Tshwane giants have recently parted ways with Argentine defender Lucas Suárez, while experienced campaigner Mosa Lebusa is entering the final months of his contract. Against that backdrop, Sundowns’ interest in the highly-rated 21-year-old signals a clear shift towards youth and long-term planning in central defence.
New blood at the back
According to SoccerBeat, Ndamane has already said his goodbyes to teammates at TS Galaxy, with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns now imminent after months of speculation.
The Weenen-born defender only turned professional in June 2024, but his rise has been rapid. After coming through the Kaizer Chiefs academy and featuring prominently in the DStv Diski Challenge, Ndamane opted to leave Naturena in search of senior football.
That decision paid off almost immediately. He settled quickly at Galaxy, making the left side of central defence his own and clocking over 30 appearances in all competitions. His composure on the ball, aerial strength and maturity beyond his years were key as the Rockets finished an impressive fifth in the league.
From Diski to the national team
Ndamane’s club form soon translated onto the international stage. He earned his first call-up to Bafana Bafana and made his senior debut in June 2025. Since then, he has added more caps, featuring in squads that qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and competed at the 2025 AFCON.
If completed, the move would make Ndamane Sundowns’ second notable January addition, following reports of a big-money deal for Colombian striker Brayan León.
Fans divided on the move
As expected, news of the transfer has sparked intense debate among supporters online.
Some fans questioned where the youngster would fit in an already stacked Sundowns defence. “Who’s he benching at Downs?” asked one supporter, while another warned: “There are a lot of defenders in that team.”
Others expressed concern that the move could stall his international ambitions. “He may kiss his chances of going to the World Cup goodbye,” one fan claimed, pointing to competition from established names like Grant Kekana and Cupido.
However, there was also strong backing for the move. “He will be wearing a Premiership medal by the end of the season,” one optimistic supporter joked, while another welcomed him enthusiastically with: “KABO YELLOW .”
A more balanced view came from fans who felt Sundowns could finally be investing locally. “When Sundowns sign South Americans people complain. When they sign South Africans, the same people complain again,” wrote one user, defending the club’s recruitment strategy.
High risk, high reward
Whether seen as a career-defining opportunity or a risky step too soon, Ndamane’s expected switch to Chloorkop underlines Sundowns’ continued ambition to blend proven winners with elite young talent. For the former Chiefs academy product, the challenge now will be to turn potential into minutes—and justify the belief that he can thrive at Africa’s most demanding club.