Sibiya to France? Sundowns youngster closing in on big move

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Mamelodi Sundowns star Thato Sibiya looks set to join Lille. (Photo: Gallo Images)

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Sibiya to France? Sundowns youngster closing in on big move

Aug 17, 2026 – 10:46 am
By Clifton Mabasa

Following reports that Thato Sibiya could be on his way to Europe, KickOff can reveal the identity of the club understood to be leading the race for the Mamelodi Sundowns youngster.

The 20-year-old defender has been linked with a move abroad after impressing in a few appearances for the Sundowns senior team last season.

This website has now been informed that French Ligue 1 outfit Lille OSC are the club behind the interest in Sibiya, with negotiations understood to be in the final stages.

The left-back was promoted to the first team in January after impressing in the DStv Diski Challenge side, while his senior-team appearances have also caught the eye of clubs in Europe.

His progress has also been tracked at international level, having featured for South Africa’s U20 side at the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

However, Sibiya is yet to make a matchday squad for the Brazilians this season, adding to speculation that Masandawana could be open to allowing the promising defender to pursue an opportunity abroad.

Sources close to the situation have indicated that Sibiya’s move to France is now imminent, with the player understood to have already said his goodbyes to those close to him.

Should the move materialise, it would represent a major step in Sibiya’s development and another opportunity for Downs to see one of their young prospects test himself in Europe.

With the transfer window still open, further developments surrounding Sibiya’s future are expected in the coming days as negotiations reach their final stages.