Mamelodi Sundowns signing Siyanda Ndlovu after the youngster had already undergone medicals at Orlando Pirates is not just another transfer story.
It is a statement. A ruthless, calculated and familiar statement from a club that refuses to loosen its grip on South African football.
For Pirates, the situation will sting.
Ndlovu had appeared destined for Mayfair. The groundwork had reportedly been completed, the medicals done and the move looked all but finalised. Yet, somehow, Sundowns still managed to step in and convince one of the country’s most highly-rated young talents to swap black and white for yellow.
That alone says plenty about where the balance of power still lies. Because this was never simply about adding another player to the squad. This was Sundowns once again reminding the rest of the league that they are planning far beyond the present.
