A Mamelodi Sundowns winger that was compared to Real Madrid veteran Luka Modric by the club's former head coach Rulani Mokwena has completed a switch to Stellenbosch FC.
The move was confirmed by Stellies on Wednesday morning, with the Winelands based outfit also announcing that Lesiba Nku would don jersey number 7, previously worn by former skipper Deano van Rooyen, who moved to Orlando Pirates at the start of the season.
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We are delighted to confirm the Deadline Day signing of Lesiba Nku on a permanent transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns ??
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) January 29, 2025
The former Polokwane City and Marumo Gallants man is understood to be rated highly at Stellenbosch.
Club CEO Rob Benadie said the club had monitored Nku for some time.
"Lesiba is a player we have admired for some time, and we are excited to bring him to Stellenbosch FC," Benadie said.
"His arrival underpins our commitment to strengthening the team with players of the highest calibre and I have no doubt that his quality will add a new dimension to our attacking options."
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The winger contributed five goals and one assist in his 28 appearances for The Brazilians but never managed to nail down a starting spot in the star-studded side.
Mokwena had pleaded for patience from the fans on Nku, saying in May last year, "And I said, and I will say this again, there was a time when Real Madrid signed Luka Modric and the Real Madrid fans were not so convinced and it's funny because the Sundowns fans forget very quickly how Neo Maema came and there were question marks, Khuliso Mudau came and there were question marks. I can go on and on.
"But they improved because of coaching and the work that we do behind the scenes. I'm just pleading with the Sundowns supporters to be a bit more patient with Lesiba Nku."
Nku will be aiming for a fresh start in the Western Cape and could make his debut when Stellenbosch FC take on Sekhukhune United on Saturday.