Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have officially confirmed the release of four players ahead of their pre-season in Austria.
Masandawana are set to camp in Europe in preparations for the 2024/25 season which will see them taking part in all the usual domestic competitions and the international ones – Caf Champions League, African Football League, and the expanded Fifa Club World Cup.
“As we prepare for the upcoming season, plans are underway for a return to Europe for our pre-season,” club's chairman Tlhopie Motsepe said as quoted by the club's magazine.
“This time, after considering different countries and contents, the team has opted for Austria where they will face some top European sides.
“We trust that preparations will be in-depth and vigorous as they were in the Netherlands last year. The camp in Austria will also assist with the preparations for the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.”
The preparations have been ongoing in all aspects, leading to some exits in the playing unit as confirmed by the Rhulani Mokwena-led team.
Bongani Zungu
Zungu was signed by Downs from the French outfit Amiens at the beginning of the 2022/23 season.
He was one of the experienced heads at the club, but a couple of weeks ago, he announced a shocking exit.
The Brazilians have now confirmed the experienced 31-year-old who has been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs is no longer part of the team's playing unit.
While with the South Africa giants, Zungu won back-to-back PSL titles and the inaugural African Football League.
Brian Mandela
The Kenya international's contract with the Rhulani Mokwena-led team expired on June 30. However, a decision had already been reached by the management about his future.
The Harambee Star has been at the club since the 2021/22 season when he joined from Maritzburg United.
He has won four PSL titles, MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup, as well as the African Football League.
Gaston Sirino
The 33-year-old Uruguayan was snapped by Downs in the 2017/18 campaign from Bolivian side Bolivar.
He was one of the club's key players until last season when he fell out with Mokwena. The tactician then stated the South American was not willing to continue playing for Masandawana explaining his release.
In Mzansi, Sirino has won seven league titles and four major Cups.
Thabiso Kutumela
The forward is the one who shared the least success with the Brazilians. After being signed by Maritzburg United in the 2021/22 season, Kutumela struggled to deliver owing to the stiff competition at Downs.
Last season, he was loaned to Cape Town City, but his goose at Masandawana had already been cooked.
During his short stint at the club, he won two league titles and as many Cup crowns.
