Mamelodi Sundowns have completed the permanent signing of midfielder Katlego “Tsiki” Ntsabeleng, exercising their purchase option after his season-long loan from MLS side FC Dallas.
The Texas club confirmed the news in a statement, saying Ntsabeleng had “completed a permanent transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns after the South African club exercised its purchase option following his season-long loan.”
The 28-year-old joined the Brazilians on loan at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, initially with an option to make the move permanent depending on how his season played out.
There had been an option in the deal to make it permanent, and reports throughout the season suggested Sundowns were keen on keeping the player, having shown flashes of quality under head coach Miguel Cardoso.
It marks a full-circle moment for the Daveyton-born midfielder, who came through Sundowns’ youth ranks before spells with Kaizer Chiefs’ development structures, two American colleges, and four seasons at FC Dallas.
Ntsabeleng was drafted 28th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft out of Oregon State University, going on to make 92 appearances, score two goals, and register seven assists for FC Dallas across all competitions over four seasons.
In his time at Chloorkop last season, Ntsabeleng made 14 appearances for Sundowns across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
He previously spoke about how much the move meant to him, recalling that he’d once turned down interest from Sundowns before circumstances changed and he felt the timing was finally right to return to the club close to his heart.
With the deal now sealed, Ntsabeleng will be hoping to build on his breakthrough campaign and stake a bigger claim for regular game time under Cardoso next season.