Mamelodi Sundowns’ young prospects sign long-term deals

The duo were both promoted to the first team last season and on a few occasions coach Rulani Mokwena has mentioned them in his press conferences as players to look out for in the future. 

SABC Sport now understands the Brazilians have decided to back the coach’s remarks by giving Buthelezi and Nkosi fresh deals. 

Buthelezi, who turned 20 years-old in January, made his senior team debut in a cameo appearance back in March when Sundowns beat Marumo Gallants 3-1 to eliminate them from the Nedbank Cup. 

He has not yet featured since the start of the 2023/23 campaign, and it is expected the attacking midfielder will still play a role in the reserve league along with his peers in the same age group. 

Nkosi is a year older and has so far managed to get five games under his belt in all competitions, including the CAF Champions League. 

The junior international’s full debut was in the 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch six months ago, and he has gone on to play when Sundowns faced Richards Bay, AmaZulu as well as coming off the bench with a minute remaining against Coton Sport in the group stages of the continental competitions last season. 

Nkosi has already been thrown in by Mokwena in this current campaign in the narrow 1-0 victory against Richards Bay, while he was an unused sub away to Polokwane City just a few weeks ago. 

With Downs’ congested schedule in the six tournaments this season, it’s expected there will more from Buthelezi and Nkosi.