Thato Sibiya has become Sundowns supporters’ new beloved teenage star.
The 19-year-old left-back announced himself with a Man of the Match award in Monday’s 2-0 win over Orbit College in the Betway Premiership.
It was Sibiya’s first match as a senior Sundowns footballer.
MORE ABOUT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ STAR THATO SIBIYA
Hailing from Kagiso in Krugersdorp, Sibiya joined Sundowns in 2023 after starring for Panorama FC in the Gauteng Development League.
Soon before breaking into the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), Sibiya became one of the best performers at the 2023 Engen Knockout Cup.
A U20 South African international, Sibiya grabbed an assist on his Sundowns senior debut, setting up the club’s new Colombian star striker, Brayan Leon.
FLASHES OF TSEPO MASISELA AND PATRICE EVRA
SuperSport TV analyst, Bongani Khumalo, a former Tottenham Hotspur defender and Bafana Bafana international, said Sibiya reminded him of one of Chiefs and Manchester United’s greatest-ever left-backs, Masilela and Patrice Evra.
“He looks like a proper player,” Khumalo said on SuperSport TV. “He reminds me of a Tsepo Masilela and Patrice Evra type of fullback. His body and structure.
“The style of play. He has that Masilela vibe. The way he moves.
“He is very strong on the ball. Technique and so much strength on the ball. He is a player,” Khumalo added on the new Sundowns jersey number 45.
Thato Sibiya has firmly earned his place among coach Miguel Cardoso’s left-back options, joining a competitive group that includes experienced campaigners Aubrey Modiba (30) and Divine Lunga (30), as well as Fawaaz Basadien (29), with a younger option, Asekho Tiyawi (20) also in the mix.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League, with the Betway Premiership champions set for a tough trip north to face Sudanese giants Al-Hilal.
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