Sundowns Defender Signs Long-term Deal, Joins LOSC Lille
Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed that Thato Sibiya has signed a long-term contract with the club ahead of his loan move to French side Lille.
Sibiya, who made his professional debut for Sundowns last season, has joined Lille on a season-long loan.
The deal includes an obligation for Lille to make the move permanent if certain performance-related conditions are met at the end of the season.
“Mamelodi Sundowns are pleased to announce that Thato Sibiya has signed a new long-term contract with the club,” Sundowns said in a statement.
“Mamelodi Sundowns have also reached an agreement with French Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille for Thato to join the club on a season-long loan. We wish Thato all the best for the season ahead and his next challenge in France.”
Sibiya was part of the Sundowns squad that won the CAF Champions League last season and also helped Amajita win the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last year.
Lille also confirmed Sibiya’s arrival in a statement on Wednesday.
“LOSC today announced the signing of young and promising South African defender Thato Sibiya (20 years old) from Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa),” the club said.
“The latter is loaned to the club for one season, with an option to buy, and will initially join the Pro 2 group.
“Born on June 23, 2006, Thato Majoro Sibiya is a fast and powerful left-back with great potential. After starting out at Panorama FC in Johannesburg, Thato trained fully at Mamelodi Sundowns FC, one of Africa’s most popular and successful clubs.
“Thato made his professional debut in the yellow and blue colours of the Pretoria-based club, where former Mastiff Lebo Mothiba also plays. The South African U17 and U20 international played in and won the African Champions League last season.
“LOSC is delighted to support Thato Sibiya’s development. We wish him a warm welcome and the best of luck as he adapts to the Pro 2 group of Les Dogues.”
Sibiya has made four appearances for Sundowns, providing one assist, and says he is looking forward to continuing his development in France.
“I’m very grateful to have had this opportunity to join LOSC. I’m proud and happy to sign for this great club, and I’m very excited and eager to start working,” said Sibiya.
“I’m a dynamic and fast defender. I am keen to progress here and integrate as soon as possible, starting by adapting to French life and its football.
“Before coming, I spoke with Lebo Mothiba, who was my teammate at Mamelodi Sundowns. When I told him that I could come here, he told me not to hesitate and to go for it.
“He was very happy for me and spoke to me very positively about the club and the city.”
