Katlego Ntsabeleng: The timing felt right to return to Mamelodi Sundowns

The 27-year-old attacker sealed a season-long loan move to the Brazilians from Major League Soccer side FC Dallas, with the deal including an option to make the transfer permanent.

Ntsabeleng launched his professional career in 2022 with Dallas, making his debut against Toronto FC. Over three seasons in MLS, he featured in 92 matches, scoring twice and providing seven assists across all competitions.

Speaking on the Sundowns Pitchside Podcast, Ntsabeleng revealed that the club's pursuit of him was not new, as Masandawana had first tried to sign him back in 2023.

He also has history with Sundowns, having briefly turned out for their MDC side during his development years before leaving to pursue his studies abroad.

"It's funny because it's not the first time the call came in. The first one was in 2023, but at the time I was still trying to stabilise myself in MLS," Ntsabeleng explained.

"I wasn't confident about moving around while I was still finding my feet in the professional ranks. I wouldn't say I declined the offer, but it just didn't work out."

The midfielder admitted that joining Sundowns has always been in his heart, as he felt his journey with the club's development side had ended too soon.

"I always wanted to play for Sundowns because they are a team that stayed in my heart. I felt like I was robbed of that moment of victory with the MDC team, and I always had this little thing that maybe one day it would happen."