Mamelodi Sundowns sign teenage left-back Teboho Lekhatla from Real Native FC

Mamelodi Sundowns have completed the signing of highly rated teenage left-back Teboho Lekhatla from Motsepe Foundation Championship club Real Native FC, formerly known as Casric Stars.

Lekhatla, who turns 19 later this month, has agreed a long-term contract with the reigning African champions. However, he will not immediately join Sundowns’ first-team squad, with the defender set to spend the 2026/27 campaign on loan at AmaTuks.

The season-long move is intended to give Lekhatla further senior experience as he continues his development following an impressive rise through the ranks.

The left-back established himself as a regular first-team player during the 2024/25 season, a campaign in which he was named MFC Young Player of the Season. He built on that progress last term by making 25 league appearances and becoming one of the leading performers in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

His form attracted the attention of Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as selectors for the national U20 squad. The move to Chloorkop represents the next stage of his career, although his immediate future will remain with AmaTuks in the second tier.

iDiski Times reports that the agreement includes both Lekhatla’s long-term deal with Sundowns and the loan arrangement that will take him to AmaTuks for the entirety of the 2026/27 season.

The transfer sees Sundowns secure one of the division’s most promising young defenders after his rapid emergence at Real Native FC. While still only 18, Lekhatla has already accumulated a full season of regular senior football, having featured 25 times in the league last season after making his first-team breakthrough the campaign before.

His performances during that period strengthened his reputation and helped bring him into consideration for the national U20 setup. Sundowns have now moved to secure his services, while the loan spell at AmaTuks will allow him to continue playing regularly as he adapts to the demands of senior football.

The arrival of Lekhatla adds another emerging prospect to Sundowns’ plans, with the club having chosen to combine a long-term commitment with a temporary move designed to support his development.

This report first appeared in the 2026 edition of the iDiski Times e-paper. The publication says the edition is available free on mobile phones through WhatsApp via its designated link.