Morena’s Contract Extension And Injury Update Ahead Of 2026/27 Season
Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Thapelo Morena has expressed his determination to remain injury-free during the 2026/27 season as he looks to help the club add more silverware to its trophy cabinet.
Morena endured a frustrating campaign after suffering an injury during the domestic season that ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Without the experienced winger, Bafana Bafana were eliminated in the Round of 32 following a 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Canada.
The 32-year-old recently had his contract option activated, extending his stay with the Brazilians into an 11th season.
Morena transferred from Bloemfontein Celtic in August 2016; his move was one of the highest-profile domestic transfers of that window, commanding a fee reported at the time to be around R4.5 million plus player exchange elements.
A blistering right-winger under Pitso Mosimane to an elite, modern inverted right-back/wing-back, which explains his longevity at Sundowns.
At the time of his arrival, he missed out on the club’s CAF Champions League triumph that year after arriving midway through the season, having not been registered for the competition.
Last season, he played an important role as the Tshwane giants successfully defended their Betway Premiership title.
Looking ahead to the new campaign, Morena said his main objective is to stay fit and repay the faith the club has shown in him by helping the team win more trophies.
“I’m really blessed and honoured to be part of Mamelodi Sundowns,” Morena said.
“I appreciate everything the club has given me throughout the years. This season, my biggest prayer is to stay injury-free, contribute even more to the team than I did last season, create more opportunities, and help the team win more trophies than we did before. Hopefully, everything goes according to what I’m praying for.”
Since joining Sundowns, Morena has won eight league titles, one Carling Knockout, one MTN8, two Nedbank Cups, the African Football League, the CAF Super Cup and the CAF Champions League.
He has made 344 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 25 goals and providing 37 assists.
