Mamelodi Sundowns face battle to keep youngsters Letlhaku and Kekana

Mamelodi Sundowns risk losing two promising young players, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Gomolemo Kekana, without a transfer fee after both reportedly rejected contract offers from the club amid interest from Europe.

Letlhaku has attracted attention from European clubs, while Kekana is understood to be seeking improved terms on the offer made by the Tshwane-based side. Kekana has also reportedly drawn interest from abroad.

The situation highlights the challenge facing Mamelodi Sundowns as their young players gain greater exposure through international football. The club could face more contract rejections if European scouts continue to monitor its academy and emerging talent.

Players representing South Africa at major youth tournaments, including the under-20 Africa Cup of Nations and the under-20 FIFA World Cup, are increasingly visible to clubs outside the continent. Those competitions provide an important platform for youngsters to showcase their ability and can accelerate interest from European teams.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns player Arendse believes the club should move quickly when it identifies players with the potential to develop into long-term members of the first team.

“I would not say it’s something to worry about. When you have players playing in the junior national teams, obviously they are going to be exposed to the world, so it means you as a club need to show confidence in the players and tie them down (with contracts) and not wait for European teams to offer these boys contracts and then you want to also (offer),” he said.

Arendse told Soccer Laduma that the issue may be linked to the timing of the negotiations rather than a wider problem at the club. He also suggested that Sundowns’ ability to produce players capable of attracting overseas interest should be viewed positively, while stressing the importance of retaining them.

“Maybe it’s just a timing thing, but I don’t think there is anything to worry about because it shows that they are producing players. The question is, how do we keep the players with us?” Arendse said to Soccer Laduma.

He added that agents could be encouraging players to delay signing in the hope that a move to Europe becomes possible.

“And obviously for the players, their agents are talking in their ear and saying, ‘Listen here, there’s interest in Europe. Don’t sign now and let’s wait and see’. Ultimately, players want to move to Europe as soon as possible because that’s how Europeans operate; they buy you young so that they can sell you.

“It’s a tricky one, but maybe it’s just a timing thing. They need to tie these boys down (to contracts) early and make it worthwhile for and also give them a chance to play at a competitive level. Sometimes, it’s about laying down the plan for these boys and making them feel important for the long-term future of Sundowns. Sometimes, the players feel they might not play, so it’s about player management so that the players don’t reject the offers (from Sundowns).”

Sundowns therefore face a delicate balancing act: securing their most promising youngsters early while convincing them that the club can provide a meaningful pathway to competitive football and long-term development.

If Letlhaku and Kekana do not agree new deals, Mamelodi Sundowns could ultimately lose both players for free.