Thabang Sibanyoni: Sundowns Axe Bafana Star After Six-Year Spell Without a Game

• Mamelodi Sundowns are set to part ways with Thabang Sibanyoni after spending six years without making a single appearance for the Pretoria giants
• The South African international has been loaned out to six different Premier Soccer League teams and has failed to make an impact at Masandawana
• The Bafana Bafana attacker, who is currently on loan at Magesi FC, has remained on the club’s books for six years since being promoted to the first team in 2019

Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly set to part ways with South African striker Thabang Sibanyoni after going six years without making an appearance for the Brazilians.

Sibanyoni was promoted to Sundowns' first team in 2019 from their reserve team but has been loaned out on numerous occasions to different Premier Soccer League sides.

There were high expectations for the Bafana Bafana striker when he got promoted, but things didn't go according to plan, which forced him to seek game time elsewhere.

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He was first loaned out to JDR Stars in the 2019-2020 season, before joining Sekhukhune United the following campaign, and was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that won the COSAFA Cup in 2021.

The 29-year-old joined AmaTuks on loan in the second half of the 2021-22 season, before being snapped up on a season-long loan by Masandawana rivals SuperSport United.

Sibanyoni returned to AmaTuks on loan ahead of the 2023-24 season, before being shipped out to Richards Bay last summer. However, the loan was cut short, and he joined Magesi FC in January.

Sundowns set to cut ties with Sibanyoni

According to Soccer Laduma, Sundowns are set to release Sibanyoni, as Magesi FC is interested in making his loan move permanent in the summer.

The Carling Knockout Cup winners are already making plans for their transfers for next season, and Sibanyoni's performance has impressed the Black Crocodiles' club management and technical crew.

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"The technical crew (at Magesi FC) has already identified the players they want to build around for next season, and Thabang Sibanyoni is definitely on that list," a source close to the club told the Siya crew.

"They’re well aware that he’s currently on loan from Sundowns and have reportedly made inquiries about his status going forward.

"What’s still uncertain is whether they’ll push for another loan deal or aim to sign him permanently — but what’s clear is that they’re keen to keep him for the upcoming campaign."

Since joining the Black Crocodiles, Sibanyoni has made eight appearances for the club and has found the back of the net twice.

Magesi FC's PRO Abel Rakoma failed to give a definite answer when asked about the Mamelodi Sundowns loanee's future at their club.

"I’d prefer not to comment from an individual perspective," Rakoma shared.

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"This is something that can only be addressed when the team, as a whole, has a clear response. At this point, there's nothing I can say on a personal level."

Reason for Sibanyoni's lack of appearances at Sundowns

Sibanyoni did not make a single official appearance for Mamelodi Sundowns over six years despite being promoted to the first team in 2019.

His absence from the matchday squad can be attributed to the intense competition within Sundowns' attacking lineup, which boasts several high-profile forwards like ‎Iqraam Rayners and Peter Shalulile.

Consequently, Sibanyoni was loaned out to various clubs to gain experience and playing time.

Sibanyoni's performance during loan spells

Sibanyoni's loan spells included stints at JDR Stars, Sekhukhune United, AmaTuks, SuperSport United and Richards Bay. However, his performances varied across these clubs.

Notably, during his time at SuperSport United, he found the back of the net once in 13 appearances. At Richards Bay, he failed to score in nine matches. Currently, on loan at Magesi FC, Sibanyoni has shown improvement, scoring two goals in eight appearances.

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Magesi FC has expressed interest in retaining Sibanyoni beyond his loan period. This potential move could provide Sibanyoni with the stability and regular playing time he has sought throughout his career.

Sundowns star shows off R4.5m Mercedes-Benz

Briefly News also reported that Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena was spotted showing off a R4.5m Mercedes-Benz in a viral post on social media.

The South African international still has a pending controversy with the Bafana Bafana after being fielded ineligibly in the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho last month.

Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article

Source: Briefly News