Mamelodi Sundowns FC's development system has produced many talented players, but Thabo Moloisane is one who got away. The 27-year-old defender is leaving Stellenbosch FC after the club confirmed that his contract will not be renewed. Moloisane came through the Sundowns development structures, but opportunities in the first team never materialised. He eventually left in 2020 to join Cape Town All Stars in search of regular senior football. That move proved to be the turning point in his career. After impressing in the second tier of South African football, Moloisane earned a move to Maritzburg United before eventually establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the Betway Premiership at Stellenbosch. Now, the irony is that the defender who could not crack the Sundowns first team may soon become a key figure at Kaizer Chiefs. Chiefs' pursuit of Moloisane may have been influenced by the respected Head of Scouting and Recruitment, Thembela 'Tera' Maliwa. Maliwa, who officially joined Chiefs in August 2024 after seven years at Sundowns, is believed to have known Moloisane well from the defender's early days in the Brazilians' structures. Moloisane's experience and maturity could provide exactly the profile Chiefs has been searching for. And after years of proving himself away from Chloorkop, the defender could now find himself wearing the colours of one of Sundowns' fiercest rivals next season. Moloisane's journey makes the story even more compelling. A product of the Sundowns development system, Moloisane was regarded as one of the promising young defenders coming through at Chloorkop. However, his availability on a free transfer is expected to intensify Chiefs' interest as the club continues planning for next season. Chiefs are not looking at a player they only discovered now, but rather one who has been on their radar for some time. With Chiefs expected to strengthen at the back following their improved campaign, Moloisane's signing could be a significant boost to their title hopes.