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Siyabonga Mabena, SundownsBackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Siyabonga Mabena joins Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Jr, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Napoli star Kevin De Bruyne's agency

  • Sundowns star joins stable
  • It is part of their expansion in Africa
  • De Bruyne and Vini Jr already clients
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Roc Nation Sports International have signed Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Siyabonga Mabena to their stable.

    He joins other South African teenage sensations who were already with Roc Nation in Kaizer Chiefs starlet and Cape Town City wonderkid Emile Witbooi, who has reportedly been offered to Mamelodi Sundowns.c

    The recruitment of the youngsters is part of the sports and entertainment company's expansion of their operations in Africa, as they have also signed other rising players around the continent.

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  • Emile Witbooi, South AfricaBackpage

    WHAT CAMPBELL SAID

    "For us, our key strategy is: Can we essentially sign and work with the best young talent with a view to moving them to Europe... ," said Campbell as per ESPN.

    "Can we look at places like South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, [as well as Zimbabwe, Gambia and Guinea] and really look at the best talents with a view to moving them to Europe. The top five leagues are the end goal.

    "I was actually aware of Siya [Mabena] via him playing for South Africa rather than Sundowns. It doesn't give us access to the players, but it just makes us have a more enhanced view on the players that are playing for Sundowns.

    "Obviously, we were really successful in recruiting Emile Witbooi, who is a really exciting talent down in South Africa. Leading onto that, we saw the continent as a major opportunity talent-wise, but also from an agency perspective with regards to how we do it," he added

    "You know, he's already had an assessment at Chelsea and we're currently looking at other opportunities for him in Europe. Sundowns is a fantastic club. If there were legs in [them being interested], we would look at it.

    "If Sundowns was an option, he could go there at 17, which makes a little bit of a difference [with European clubs not being allowed to sign him until the age of 18], but the key goal for Emile and a player of his ability is definitely to come to Europe," continued Campbell.

    "I think with his ability on the ball and the level that he showed while he was at Chelsea, it would be a massive missed opportunity if we don't bring him to Europe at the earliest opportunity."

  • Siyabonga MabenaBackpagePix

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Roc Nation's football portfolio is a glowing one with a galaxy of stars from around the world.

    Some of their clients include Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli and West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta.

    The South African trio being part of such a stable could be something that speaks volumes about their potential.

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  • Selwyn Stevens & Neo Bohloko, South Africa U17, March 2025Cafonline

    WHAT NEXT?

    It is to be seen if Mamelodi Sundowns will be able to sign Witbooi or if he will move to Chelsea, where he has undergone trials.

    Mabena spent last season injured but appears to have regained fitness, while Bohloko would be pushing to break into the Chiefs first team.

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