Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane is reportedly attracting growing interest from Portugal, with Braga and Famalicão said to be monitoring the Bafana Bafana international.
Transfer expert Ekrem Konur reports that scouts from both Portuguese clubs have been tracking Ndamane’s progress, with a possible January move now reportedly being considered.
No formal bid has been confirmed, but the interest represents another major development in the 22-year-old’s rapidly developing career.
From Kaizer Chiefs academy to Sundowns
Ndamane’s journey to the top of South African football has been remarkably quick.
Born in Sahlumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, the centre-back joined the Kaizer Chiefs academy in 2023 after impressing at youth level. He progressed through the club’s Under-19 setup and later featured for the DStv Diski Challenge side.
However, with opportunities in the Chiefs first team limited, Ndamane made the decision to move elsewhere in search of regular senior football.
That opportunity came when he joined TS Galaxy in June 2024.
The move proved to be a major breakthrough. Ndamane made 27 league appearances during the 2024/25 campaign and played a key role as Galaxy finished fifth in the Premiership.
His ability to remain composed in possession, read the game effectively and play progressive passes quickly made him one of the club’s standout performers.
Bafana Bafana breakthrough followed
Ndamane’s impressive club form soon translated into international recognition.
He made his Bafana Bafana debut against Tanzania in June 2025 and subsequently became part of Hugo Broos’ squad for important FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
His development attracted the attention of Sundowns, who moved to secure his services during the January 2026 transfer window.
Since arriving at Chloorkop, Ndamane has been exposed to the highest levels of African club football.
He helped Sundowns win the CAF Champions League and has also gained valuable experience competing on the international stage, including at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Braga and Famalicão watching closely
Ndamane’s continued progress has now reportedly put him on the radar of two Portuguese clubs.
According to Konur, Braga and Famalicão are closely monitoring the defender, with January identified as a possible opportunity for a transfer.
A move to Portugal could represent the next significant step in Ndamane’s career and potentially provide him with a pathway into European football.
For Sundowns, however, his growing reputation could make him an increasingly valuable asset. The Brazilians will have to decide whether to entertain interest in one of South Africa’s emerging defensive talents or continue developing him at Chloorkop.
From the Chiefs academy to TS Galaxy, Bafana Bafana and now Sundowns, Ndamane’s rise has been rapid. European interest could be the next chapter in what has already been an impressive breakthrough story.
Would you like to see Khulumani Ndamane move to Portugal in January, or should he remain at Mamelodi Sundowns?
