Exclusive: Thapelo Morena pens new four year Downs contract

The Brazilians had initially opted to first trigger the option on Morena’s previous deal, guaranteeing he remains at Chloorkop for another two seasons. 

But this was to clearly give the club enough time to conclude the finer details of what is now a long-term contract. 

Morena joined Sundowns in 2016 from the now defunct Bloemfontein Celtic and his trajectory has been visible, earning him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad under various coaches over the years. 

With Downs crowned DStv Premiership champions during the 2022/23 season, Morena was key – featuring in a total 37 games in all competitions in the domestic league as well as the CAF Champions League. 

He played in defense, midfield as well as upfront and contributed with six goals plus eight assists under coach Rulani Mokwena, who himself signed a four-year contract that was confirmed by the club last week. 

Morena has won six league titles since joining Sundowns and is currently part of the squad that helped Bafana qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year after qualification was sealed in March. 

Contacted for comment, the player’s agent revealed there were talks between the two parties for a new agreement. 

“But it’s not my place to confirm confidential talks. You’d have to ask the club, but what I can say is that Thapelo will be at Sundowns for some time.”