Mamelodi Sundowns lead race for former Manchester City trialist Nxumalo

Mamelodi Sundowns have emerged as the leading contenders to sign teenage attacking midfielder Khulekani Nxumalo, who recently completed trials with Manchester City’s Under-21 side, BBC Sport understands.

Nxumalo, who plays for KwaZulu-Natal-based British Academy, is regarded as one of the most promising young players from the province. The 19-year-old has attracted interest from several Betway Premiership clubs, while his performances also brought him to the attention of Manchester City in 2025.

The player, known in KwaZulu-Natal football circles by the nickname “Sdah”, was recommended to Manchester City by club legend Yaya Toure. Toure, the brother of former Manchester City assistant coach Kolo Toure, discovered Nxumalo after watching a video clip of the youngster.

That recommendation led to an official opportunity for Nxumalo to train with Manchester City’s Under-21 team towards the end of the 2025/26 season. He subsequently travelled to England for another trial with Queens Park Rangers before returning to South Africa.

British Academy have not disclosed the outcome of either assessment. When approached for feedback, the club declined to say whether Nxumalo had performed well enough to secure a further opportunity in England or whether either side had made a formal offer.

However, Nxumalo is now training with Mamelodi Sundowns’ DStv Diski Challenge squad, although it remains unclear whether the club have completed his signing.

Sundowns had previously been considered the favourites to recruit the midfielder before Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers became involved. British Academy are understood to have given the two English clubs first preference after they expressed interest in the player.

That decision temporarily altered the South African transfer picture, but Sundowns appear to have regained the initiative. AmaZulu and Durban City were also interested in Nxumalo, although Masandawana were already viewed as the most likely destination for “Sdah” before his overseas trials took place.

The latest developments suggest Sundowns remain closely involved in his future, but there has been no confirmation that a contract has been agreed or that Nxumalo has formally joined the club.

British Academy have developed a strong reputation for producing players who move into the professional ranks in South Africa. Almost the entire club’s Under-19 squad from 2025 was recruited individually by leading teams in the country for their reserve squads.

Those clubs included Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Siwelele, AmaZulu – known as Usuthu – and Durban City, who are referred to as The Citizens.

Nxumalo’s potential move would therefore represent another significant step for a British Academy player, following a pathway that has already taken him from the KwaZulu-Natal youth scene to trials with two English clubs and now into the orbit of one of South Africa’s leading sides.