Thando Buthelezi: Mamelodi Sundowns Midfielder Emerges at Marumo Gallants Ahead of New Season

Marumo Gallants are assessing Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thando Buthelezi as the Limpopo club accelerate their squad rebuild ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.

Buthelezi, 24, has resurfaced at Gallants after his loan spell at University of Pretoria in the Motsepe Foundation Championship came to an end, with the player struggling for regular starts last season.

Gallants are understood to be strongly considering offering him a contract, with a formal announcement expected as early as next week when the club unveils a raft of new signings at an event in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Sundowns loanee seeks fresh breakthrough

Buthelezi spent the 2023-24 season on loan at AmaTuks from Mamelodi Sundowns but failed to cement a place in the starting XI under head coach Kwanele Kopo.

Kopo has since departed University of Pretoria after the side finished 11th in the second-tier standings, while the club has already confirmed Buthelezi’s exit at the end of his loan.

The central midfielder has now pitched up at Gallants, where he is currently being monitored by the technical team as he searches for a platform to finally establish himself in the top flight.

Sundowns have already twice sent Buthelezi out on loan – first to Richards Bay and then to AmaTuks – and the move to Gallants represents a third attempt to secure him consistent minutes at Premiership level.

Double AmaTuks link as others chase deals

Buthelezi is not the only player with University of Pretoria links attempting to secure a future at Gallants.

Sources indicate that Thulani Zandamela and Ntando Nkosi, both of whom were also on the books of AmaTuks last season, are training with Gallants in the hope of winning contracts before the new campaign kicks off.

Indications are that the club’s technical staff are open to adding more depth, particularly in midfield and attacking areas, as they look to strengthen a squad aiming to stabilise in the Premiership.

New signings and trials as Gallants rebuild

Gallants currently have former Baroka FC attacker Karabo Seroto training with the team. He is undergoing an assessment with a view to a possible deal if he impresses during pre-season.

One piece of business is already confirmed: central midfielder Khomotso Marebane has signed a two-year contract with the club.

Marebane arrives from Casric Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and brings significant domestic experience, having previously turned out for University of Pretoria, Pretoria Callies and Jomo Cosmos.

His arrival adds competition in the centre of the pitch at the same time that Gallants weigh up whether to move for Buthelezi on a permanent or loan basis.

Sandton unveiling to set tone for season

Gallants are expected to confirm their new recruits at a launch event scheduled to take place in Sandton on Tuesday, where Buthelezi’s immediate future could be clarified.

If the move is finalised, the Sundowns-owned midfielder would join Marebane as part of a reshaped engine room as Gallants look to find the right blend of youth, experience and hunger to compete in the Betway Premiership.

The club has not yet commented publicly on individual negotiations, but all indications suggest Gallants intend to move decisively in the coming days to complete their squad before the start of the new season.