Jody Ah Shene snubs Mamelodi Sundowns at 11th hour

The Cape Town City forward, who is World Cup-bound with the South Africa under-20 national team, was set to join the Tshwane giants before the transfer window slammed shut on Monday night. However, the move has since collapsed.

Sundowns had planned to loan Ah Shene to the University of Pretoria for the remainder of the season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, but it is understood that the player felt the move was untimely.

Instead, he chose to continue his growth at Cape Town City rather than risk uncertainty by moving around.

Ah Shene was promoted to the senior team by former coach Eric Tinkler in January 2024 and has since become a regular, making more than 25 appearances in the top flight.

He remained with City even after their relegation at the end of last season.

Talks had been ongoing over the weekend for Ah Shene to join Sundowns, with a transfer fee already agreed between the two clubs, subject to a medical and personal terms.

The striker even travelled to Chloorkop on Saturday for his medical but later had a change of heart.

Cape Town City were eager to finalise the sale, particularly after losing their top-flight grant and facing reduced funding of just half a million rand in the lower division.

The transfer would have provided a welcome financial boost, but the collapse of the deal means the club must now rethink their strategy with Ah Shene staying put.

The young striker will jet off to Chile this week with coach Raymond Mdaka for the Under-20 World Cup before returning to continue his career with The Citizens.