SA wonderkid flourishing in Brazil
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Fluminense U20 star Kgomotso Madiba. PHOTO: GE Globo
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SA wonderkid flourishing in Brazil
Aug 17, 2026 – 11:21 am
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
South African wonderkid Kgomotso Madiba is quickly making a name for himself at Brazilian club Fluminense, and the now Portuguese-speaking youngster recently opened up about starring in Brazil.
Madiba officially joined Fluminense in January 2026 after spending time on trial at the club’s Xerém academy during an exchange programme in 2025.
Fluminense were left convinced by his talents during the trials but had to wait for approval to sign the player because he was just 17 during his assessment. He turned 18 in December 2025, allowing the transfer to be completed.
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Madiba has since established himself as a key figure in Fluminense’s U20 team, and the youngster can already speak some Portuguese.
Speaking in a recent interview with Brazilian publication GE, Madiba opened up about his time in Brazil.
Madiba said: “Young men in South Africa don’t always get an opportunity like this. So you have to embrace it and be grateful. Also, to the coaches who have been giving me the opportunity to play. I’m very happy.”
The South African attacker, who won the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations with Amajita, also named two Brazilian stars as his role models, identifying similarities in their on-field performances.
“Vini Jr. and Neymar. Because of their style. The way they dribble, I feel that it is similar to mine. When I dribble and when I see them doing it, I feel that I can say they are my idols, my teachers.
“Before matches, I watch them and try to implement the things they do into my own game as well. It is their unique style of play. I believe we are similar.”
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