Portuguese Clubs Have Targeted Khulumani Ndamane
Top-flight Portuguese teams are monitoring Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane for a potential January transfer.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Soccer
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Scouts from Braga and Famalicão are currently tracking Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane. The Portuguese clubs are evaluating the defender as a target for the upcoming January 2027 transfer window.
Why it matters
Ndamane has garnered international attention following a breakout period in South African football. His contributions to the Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF Champions League title have positioned him as a prospect for European leagues.
The 22-year-old defender made 27 league appearances for TS Galaxy during the 2024/25 season. He previously helped Mamelodi Sundowns secure the CAF Champions League title.
The players
Khulumani Ndamane
He is a 22-year-old South African defender who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team, Bafana Bafana.
Mamelodi Sundowns
This is a prominent South African professional football club known for competing in the CAF Champions League.
Braga
Sporting Clube de Braga is a professional football club based in Portugal that competes in the Primeira Liga.
Famalicão
Futebol Clube de Famalicão is a Portuguese professional football club that plays in the top tier of the national league.
TS Galaxy
TS Galaxy is a South African professional football club that plays in the Premier Soccer League.
The details
Scouts are assessing Ndamane following his rise through the Kaizer Chiefs youth ranks and his subsequent international debut for Bafana Bafana. His progression from TS Galaxy to the Mamelodi Sundowns squad has been a focal point for recruitment teams in Portugal.
Timeline
Ndamane joined the Kaizer Chiefs youth structures in 2023.
The player joined TS Galaxy in June 2024.
Ndamane made his Bafana Bafana debut against Tanzania in June 2025.
Mamelodi Sundowns signed the defender in January 2026.
A potential transfer move is being evaluated for January 2027.
Roadmap
Recruitment of African talent into the Portuguese Primeira Liga remains a major pipeline for European growth strategies. Ndamane's trajectory follows a pattern where regional success, specifically in the CAF Champions League, precedes high-profile moves to European leagues.
A transfer in January would remove a key defensive asset from Mamelodi Sundowns' current rotation during the mid-season period. Fantasy managers and league followers should account for a potential shift in the Sundowns starting backline should the move materialize.
The takeaway
Scouting interest from European clubs highlights the increasing global visibility of the South African Premier Soccer League. Teams like Braga and Famalicão continue to prioritize young, internationally tested talent to bolster their defensive depth.
What happens next
The transfer window opens in January 2027, which will provide clarity on whether Braga or Famalicão submit formal bids for the defender.
Further reading
For more updates on international player movements, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The South African.
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