As the 2024/25 season edges closer to its conclusion, Mamelodi Sundowns face a critical period of squad management with 12 players set to be out of contract by June. The reigning DStv Premiership champions have a strong squad, but with several key names on the brink of becoming free agents, tough decisions must be made.
Sundowns have built a reputation as South Africa’s most dominant club, consistently challenging for domestic and continental honors. However, maintaining such dominance requires squad evolution, smart contract renewals, and the right transfer strategy. With that in mind, let’s analyze who should stay and who should go when their contracts expire in June.
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Players Out of Contract in June 2025
1. Themba Zwane – (Stay)
The 34-year-old club captain remains a key player for Sundowns. Despite his age, Zwane’s leadership, technical ability, and experience make him an irreplaceable figure. His vision, passing, and goal contributions continue to be crucial for the team, and his ability to dictate play in midfield is unmatched.
The club should offer him a contract extension, possibly on a short-term basis (1-2 years), allowing him to finish his career at Sundowns while mentoring the younger players.
2. Khuliso Mudau – (Stay)
Mudau has been one of the best right-backs in South Africa and has cemented his place in both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana’s squads. His energy, defensive solidity, and attacking contributions have made him indispensable.
Given that he is in his prime years (29 years old), letting him leave would be a huge mistake. Sundowns should prioritize extending his contract to avoid interest from rival clubs or foreign teams.
3. Peter Shalulile – (Stay)
Shalulile has been the club’s top striker since arriving from Highlands Park, consistently delivering goals and assists. His work rate, movement, and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders.
At 30 years old, he still has a few peak seasons left. Sundowns should ensure his contract is extended because losing him for free would be disastrous. If an overseas opportunity arises, the club might consider selling him for a transfer fee rather than letting him leave for nothing.
4. Devine Lunga – (Go)
Lunga has struggled to cement a regular place in the Sundowns squad since joining from Golden Arrows. With Terrence Mashego and Aubrey Modiba in the squad, his chances have been limited.
At 28 years old, he still has time to revive his career elsewhere, and Sundowns may not prioritize his renewal. A move to another PSL club could be beneficial for his growth.
5. Terrence Mashego – (Stay, but Loan Consideration)
Mashego, once considered one of the best left-backs in the PSL, has had injury struggles since joining Sundowns from Cape Town City. While he still has great potential, he needs regular game time to regain his form.
Sundowns should renew his contract but consider sending him on loan to a club where he can play consistently. If he returns to his best, he could be a key player again.
6. Marcelo Allende – (Stay)
The Chilean midfielder is one of the most talented foreign players in the PSL. His creativity, dribbling, and passing range have been important in Sundowns’ attack. At 25 years old, he is still developing, and the club could potentially sell him for a big transfer fee in the future.
Sundowns should extend his contract, as losing him on a free transfer would be a major financial loss.
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7. Jody February – (Go)
The goalkeeper has been with Sundowns for several seasons but has rarely played due to strong competition from Ronwen Williams and Denis Onyango.
At 27 years old, he needs regular football to develop further. A move away would be best for his career, and Sundowns can focus on younger goalkeeping prospects.
8. Sipho Mbule – (Stay, but Needs Improvement)
Mbule’s time at Sundowns has been inconsistent, largely due to fitness concerns and off-field issues. When in top shape, he is a technically gifted midfielder, but his attitude and discipline have been questioned.
Sundowns should consider offering him a performance-based contract to motivate him to stay fit and focused. If he fails to improve, then a departure should be considered.
9. Sphelele Mkhulise – (Stay)
Mkhulise has been a loyal servant to Sundowns and remains a valuable squad player. His versatility allows him to play in multiple midfield roles, making him an important asset for squad rotation.
At 28 years old, he still has plenty to offer, and Sundowns should retain him as a reliable option.
10. Mothobi Mvala – (Stay, but Not as a First-Choice Starter)
Mvala has been a solid defensive midfielder and makeshift center-back when needed. However, with Sundowns strengthening their squad every season, he might not remain a first-choice player.
Sundowns should offer him an extension but possibly as a squad player rather than a regular starter.
11. Musa Lebusa – (Go)
Lebusa has been a decent defender for Sundowns but has struggled for consistent playing time. With the club bringing in new defenders like Abdelmounaim Boutouil and Grant Kekana, Lebusa’s role has diminished.
At 31 years old, he might be better off moving to another PSL club where he can play more regularly.
12. Rivaldo Coetzee – (Stay, but Needs to Stay Fit)
Coetzee has battled long-term injuries, but when fit, he is one of the most composed defensive midfielders in the PSL. His passing and ability to control the tempo make him a unique player in Sundowns’ setup.
Given his injury history, Sundowns might offer him a contract with medical clauses to ensure he remains available for selection. If he can stay fit, he deserves to continue with the club.
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Final Verdict: Who Should Stay and Who Should Leave?
Players to Keep and Extend Contracts:
✅ Themba Zwane – Key leader, still influential
✅ Khuliso Mudau – Best right-back in the league
✅ Peter Shalulile – Top striker, needs to be retained
✅ Marcelo Allende – Young, valuable asset for the future
✅ Sphelele Mkhulise – Versatile and useful for squad depth
✅ Mothobi Mvala – Reliable, but should not be a first-choice starter
✅ Sipho Mbule – Needs to improve discipline but has potential
✅ Rivaldo Coetzee – Needs to stay fit, but technically gifted
Players to Release or Consider Selling:
❌ Devine Lunga – No longer needed, surplus to requirements
❌ Jody February – Needs regular game time elsewhere
❌ Musa Lebusa – Losing his place in the squad, better to move
❌ Terrence Mashego – Should be loaned rather than released
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns must act quickly and decisively regarding their contract negotiations to avoid losing key players for free. Some, like Zwane and Mudau, are essential, while others, like Lunga and Lebusa, might be better off leaving.
With the club competing on multiple fronts, including the DStv Premiership, CAF Champions League, and domestic cups, depth and squad stability are crucial. Renewing contracts wisely and offloading surplus players will ensure that Sundowns remain South Africa’s dominant force for years to come.
What do you think? Should Sundowns renew all these contracts, or is it time for a squad refresh?
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