Sundowns defender Thato Sibiya closing in on LOSC Lille move

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thato Sibiya is close to joining LOSC Lille on loan ahead of the 2026/27 French Ligue 1 season, with an option to buy understood to have been agreed between the clubs.

The proposed move would take the 20-year-old to France after a rapid rise in South African football. Sibiya has been regarded as one of the country’s brightest young players and is now set to begin the next stage of his development in Europe.

iDiski Times can reliably confirm that Mamelodi Sundowns are open to the agreement, despite holding the defender in high regard. LOSC Lille have identified Sibiya as a player with significant potential for the future and are prepared to bring him into their plans under the terms of the loan arrangement.

Sibiya was included in South Africa’s squad that won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025. He subsequently featured prominently at the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile, further raising his profile at international level.

His progress led to a promotion to the Mamelodi Sundowns first team. He made four appearances for the senior side while continuing to play an important role for the club’s DStv Diski Challenge squad.

The defender was also part of Mamelodi Sundowns’ first-team group during their pre-season preparations in Austria. However, he is now expected to leave the club for France as the proposed transfer moves towards completion.

Should the move be finalised, Sibiya would become the third official departure from Mamelodi Sundowns. Peter Shalulile left the club after his contract expired, while Terrence Mashego joined Stellenbosch FC on loan.

Sibiya’s expected switch is therefore another significant step in a career that has developed quickly, from success with the South Africa Under-20 team to first-team involvement at one of the country’s leading clubs and a potential move into French football.

The report was written by Lorenz Kohler, whose social media handle is @Lorenz_KO.

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