By Mpho Moloi
Thembela “Tera” Malima has announced his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, where he has served as a key figure in the scouting department for the past seven years. Malima’s exit comes at a time when Sundowns is undergoing significant changes within its technical and playing staff, a restructuring that signals the beginning of a new chapter for the club.
A Legacy of Talent and Achievement
Malima’s contribution to Mamelodi Sundowns is highly regarded, not just for the length of his service but for the quality of talent he has helped bring to the club. Before joining Sundowns, Malima honed his scouting skills at Ajax Cape Town, where he was instrumental in discovering players such as Rivaldo Coetzee, who went on to become a mainstay in the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. His expertise also saw him involved with European clubs like Ajax Amsterdam and Heerenveen, where he contributed to the development of young talents.
Reflecting on his time with the club, Malima shared a heartfelt message on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Dear friends and Masandawana family. It with great regret that I am announcing my departure at the club Mamelodi Sundowns FC, stepping down on my position as a Club scout. Wishing the club all the best” .
Emotional Farewell
Malima’s departure was accompanied by an emotional farewell message, in which he expressed his gratitude to everyone at the club. In a statement attached to his post, he said:
“Thank You Mamelodi Sundowns F.C.
It’s tough to say goodbye after seven unforgettable years at the club. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the Mamelodi Sundowns football family for this long. As I reflect on the incredible journey we have shared over the past seven years at Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, my heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation to everyone at the club. This experience has been more than just a job, it has been a profound chapter in my life that I will cherish forever.
From the very first day I joined this remarkable Mamelodi Sundowns family, I was welcomed with open arms. The camaraderie and support from the management made every challenge surmountable and every success even sweeter. Together, we have navigated the highs and lows of this beautiful club, celebrating victories that will be etched in our memories and learning from defeats that have only made us stronger.
To the Management of Mamelodi Sundowns and the Motsepe family, no words can express my gratitude and honour to have served this prestigious football club. Thank you for entrusting me throughout the years. Masandawana fans, your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. You are the heartbeat of this club, and your passion fuels our drive to excel.
Thank you once again for these unforgettable seven years filled with growth, friendship, and achievement. Though I may be stepping away from this role, I will always remain an ardent supporter of this club and its incredible community. Kab’ yellow Masandawana” .
A Period of Transition at Sundowns
Malima’s exit is part of a broader transition at Mamelodi Sundowns, which has seen several key figures leave the club in recent months. This restructuring includes the departure of performance analysts Sibusiso Makitla and Dayle Solomons, set-piece coach Michael Loftman, and DDC coach Sinethemba Badela. These changes reflect the club’s ongoing efforts to reshape its technical team as it prepares for the upcoming 2024/25 season .
The club has also confirmed the exit of four high-profile players: Thabiso Kutumela, Brian Onyango, Bongani Zungu, and Gaston Sirino. Each of these players has made significant contributions to Sundowns over the years, with Sirino’s departure particularly surprising fans due to his extensive involvement with the team, including 202 games, 41 goals, and 44 assists during his tenure .
Looking Ahead
As Sundowns moves forward, the impact of these departures will likely be felt both on and off the pitch. The club, however, remains focused on maintaining its dominance in South African football. The arrival of new signings such as Asekho Tiwani, who was acquired from Sekhukhune United, signals the club’s intent to reinforce its squad with young, dynamic talent. Tiwani’s arrival, along with other signings, is part of a broader strategy to refresh the squad and continue competing at the highest level .
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