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HANDS OFF: Patrice Motsepe, right, with Mamelodi Sundowns target Thuto Mphahlele who is captain of School of Excellence. PHOTO: RAMATSIYI MOHOLOA

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Mphahlele is joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January after impressing their technical staff at the Under-19 Cup in Bloemfontein last week.

Originally from North West, Mphahlele played a huge role in helping Excellence win the tournament, which offers the winners R1-million.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, it's news to me. Nobody has approached me about that yet," said Mphahlele, who is in Grade 12.

A source close to Sundowns' technical department, who was in Bloemfontein for the tournament, said they had already agreed terms with Mphahlele.

"The youngster is on board. We agreed to allow him to prepare for his final examinations and he will be joining Sundowns in the new year.

"He is a great player with lots of potential. When we first saw him, there was no need to take another look because he is simply the best.

"There are other youngsters from this tournament that we are going to sign but I can't mention names at this stage, otherwise other PSL clubs will snatch them before we complete the paperwork."

Mphahlele is hoping to follow in the footsteps of successful Excellence graduates like Steven Pienaar, Dominic Isaacs, Masilo Modubi, Daine Klate, Dillon Sheppard, Brent Carelse and Brett Evans.

Sundowns boss Patrice Motsepe - who sponsors the tournament in honour of his late mother - commended the South African Schools Football Association for its sterling work in helping to develop young soccer players.

"They are doing a wonderful job, we need to work closely with our teachers to ensure that school sport is a resounding success," said Motsepe.

Comments

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Tue Jun 18 08:52:07 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 9, 2012

Moffdat

*SINGING*

Jesu konyana ntate modimo re hauhele morena. Re hauheeeeele - re hauhele morena. Re hauheeele re hauhele morena. Jesu konyana ntate modimo re hauhele morena!
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Oct 9, 2012

PANJOdeTIGER

Sundunusa FC have been Siginig player every month or they are planing for a come back in Mvela LIG?

Next Dunusa signing is Brain Habana!
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Oct 9, 2012

Thinawise

Sundowns continue to destroy our talent,by signing every player left,right and centre.its time this players apply common sense before rushing to anything.
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Oct 9, 2012

shakashaka

I have seen this boy during Metropolitan under 19 tournament in Cape Town this past Easters what a talent. Infact the intire squad of School of Execellence its talent all over the field but sadly the country will never see this talent as he is going to be tied on 5 year contract with options. The next thing he will be training alone or with reserves. We have warned Thami Sangweni, Jabu Manqele, Sbu Khumalo, Hanyekane etc and they never listened. Boy its stil early dont sign that contract
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Oct 9, 2012

Papage

I hope those over 25 will be given free clearance now President, if you continue signing players and put them on the bench dont you think you are killing the Football? or is about sharing your welth with the world? you can do it better
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