Mamelodi Sundowns complete permanent signing of Katlego Ntsabeleng from FC Dallas

Mamelodi Sundowns have completed the permanent signing of midfielder Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng from FC Dallas after activating the purchase option included in his season-long loan agreement.

FC Dallas confirmed the transfer in a statement, saying Ntsabeleng had “completed a permanent transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns after the South African club exercised its purchase option following his season-long loan.”

The 28-year-old spent the 2025/26 campaign with the Betway Premiership champions after joining the Brazilians on loan at the start of the season. The original agreement gave Sundowns the opportunity to make the move permanent, with the final decision dependent on how the midfielder performed during his time in South Africa.

Reports throughout the campaign indicated that Sundowns wanted to retain Ntsabeleng, who produced several promising displays under head coach Miguel Cardoso. The club has now formalised the deal, securing the midfielder’s services beyond the conclusion of his initial loan spell.

The transfer also represents a return to a club that played an important part in Ntsabeleng’s early development. Born in Daveyton, he came through the Mamelodi Sundowns youth system before moving on to Kaizer Chiefs’ development structures.

He subsequently attended two colleges in the United States before continuing his professional career with FC Dallas. Ntsabeleng was selected by the MLS club with the 28th overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft after his time at Oregon State University.

Across four seasons with FC Dallas, he made 92 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and supplying seven assists.

His first campaign back at Chloorkop brought 14 appearances for Sundowns across all competitions. Ntsabeleng scored twice and provided one assist during the 2025/26 season, offering Cardoso another midfield option while adapting to a new phase of his career.

Before the permanent transfer was completed, Ntsabeleng had spoken about the personal importance of returning to Sundowns. He recalled previously turning down interest from the club, but said circumstances had changed and that the timing eventually felt right for a return to a team he regarded as close to his heart.

The completion of the deal gives Ntsabeleng the chance to establish himself further at the club where his football journey began. Having made a contribution during his loan spell, he will now aim to secure a more regular role under Cardoso next season.

Sundowns’ decision to exercise the purchase option brings an end to Ntsabeleng’s four-year spell with FC Dallas and confirms his long-term return to South African football.