In this week's blast from the past, we look at one of Mamelodi Sundowns' most promising youngsters during the 2013/14 campaign. Do you remember him?
The story
The 2013/14 campaign is viewed as a turning point for Downs, as that campaign would mark the beginning of their dominance in terms of league titles. Ka Bo Yellow won the Absa Premiership that season, which was their first league trophy since 2007/08.
Now a decade later, we reflect on a star who showed immense potential to become the next big name on the continent. Defender Rashid Sumaila was just 19 years old he when arrived at Chloorkop from Asante Kotoko. Despite having made his Ghana national team debut in September 2012 before joining Masandawana in July 2013, things didn't really kick off for the centre-back in Tshwane, as he was behind the likes of Thabo Nthethe and Wayne Arendse in the pecking order.
According to Transfermarkt, he made a total of just 22 appearances for the Pretoria giants during a two-year spell that was split between two loan deals at his former club Asante and Qadsia SC in Kuwait.
Check out another star's journey since leaving the PSL!
Things seemingly got better for the 10-capped Ghanaian, as he would go on to have spells in Qatar and Serbia, winning the 2018/19 league title with Red Star Belgrade in the latter country. However, as of July 2023, Sumaila is a free agent at just 30-years-old. This is perhaps surprising given his huge potential, as he was also picked for the Black Stars' 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil.
Here's a glimpse at Sumaila's lifestyle post his Sundowns career
Off the pitch, it appears that Sumaila has also enjoyed some enviable moments, as he cruised the streets in a matte black BMW X6! Following its official release in 2007, the X6 was the German automaker's third offering in the X generation, as the X5 was launched in 1999 and the X3 in 2003. The X6 has gone on to have a big legacy in the car world, as all its ranges featured turbocharged engines - which was rare at the time, according to Autocar UK. It's clear that Sumaila was making the big bucks in order to afford such a power ride during the mid-2010s.
Check out some of Sumaila's duels with famous stars
While the search for a new team continues, the Ghanian can reflect on some of his best moments on the field, as he has come up against some top stars both in South Africa and internationally. The gallery above shows the player in tough duels against the likes of Lebogang Manyama and Oupa Manyisa in the PSL. On the global stage, he has faced world-class legends like Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, formerly of Bayern Munich and Manchester United respectively.
Your thoughts, please?
Would you like to see Sumaila return to the Mzansi top-flight?
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