Mamelodi Sundowns' Title Chase - Can Miguel Cardoso and co Win the South African Premier Division?

Mamelodi Sundowns' Title Chase - Can Miguel Cardoso and co Win the South African Premier Division?

Mamelodi Sundowns are one of the most successful clubs in CAF history. Backed by South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe, the Pretoria-based side boasts 18 league titles and 1 CAF Champions League trophy. Nicknamed "The Brazilians" owing to their yellow and blue attire and expansive style of play, last season they won the league for an eighth consecutive year, further cementing their dominance at the helm of South African football.

This season, Portuguese manager Miguel Cardoso finds his side tangled in a two-horse race for the top spot. The Sundowns are currently second, level on points with first placed Orlando Pirates, with only one goal seperating the two sides.

Only one goal separates Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on the #BetwayPrem standings 🤏#SSDiski | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/289aKXrR4t

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 2, 2026

Today, we’re diving into the heart of the Mamelodi Sundowns machine, dissecting their squad, and analysing what still stands between them and history. We will be asking the big question, can they power their way to an unprecedented ninth consecutive league title this season?

The chase is on, and the margins are only getting tighter, let's dive in.

Mamelodi Sundowns: The Squad

Since their takeover by Patrice Motsepe, who is now president of CAF, Mamelodi Sundowns have operated with a financial muscle that is unmatched in both the league and the continent. Their resources have elevated them, allowing them to build not just a squad, but a dynasty. Often likened to Manchester City for their decisive, market-shaping recruitment, Sundowns are bold, ambitious in the market, and relentlessly forward-thinking.

The quality that didn't even make the bench can beat any team in PSL. Mamelodi Sundowns has a very strong squad. pic.twitter.com/CGVQdIA25x

— Sundowns Xtra (@SundownsXtra_) March 2, 2026

Traditionally, the South African top flight has been shaped by domestic stars and elite talent from across the African continent, but Sundowns have rewritten that script. In recent years, they’ve cast their net far wider, particularly into South America, identifying and securing technically gifted prospects to add a new dimension to their dominance.

As mentioned, the Brazilians boast a side littered with national talent, and within their squad lie stalwarts for the South African national team. Club captain and national team captain Ronwen Williams stands in goal. With over 150 appearances for the Sundowns and over 50 appearance for South Africa, Williams is regarded as a legend. Furthermore, it's worth noting that he was nominated for the Yashin Trophy at the 2024 Ballon D'or awards, becoming the first goalkeeper to be nominated for the award whilst playing outside of Europe.

South Africa's Ronwen Williams is the first goalkeeper in history to be nominated for the Yashin Trophy while playing for a club in Africa.

No DNA, just RSA 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/x0Z7VnNki8

— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) September 4, 2024

Goalkeeping heroics aside, the Sundowns defence is spearheaded by the experienced Khuliso Mudau. Capable of playing both as a fullback and as a central defender, Mudau has made over 150 appearances for the Sundowns, and the 30-year also has an array of Bafana Bafana caps under his belt. Aubrey Modiba plays on the left flank for the Brazilians in their usual 3-4-1-2 shape, and he provides defensive solidity as well as the ability to push forward and help in attack. With nearly 200 appearances for the Sundowns and nearly 50 caps for South Africa, Modiba displays quality as well as experience that is difficult to replicate.

Moving forward into the midfield, Teboho Mokoena steadies the ship. With the ability to play as holding midfielder or as a box-to-box, Mokoena's calmness in the centre of the park keeps the side ticking and his leadership qualities inspire results. A dead ball specialist, Mokoena has featured over 50 times for the South African national side and is widely regarded as one of the nation's best players.

This moment right here! 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

TEBOHO MOKOENA TAKE A BOW!!! pic.twitter.com/aCzaQx3Q5K

— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) January 30, 2024

Accompanying Mokoena in the midfield is Chilean central midfielder Marcelo Allende. Since joining the club in 2022, making the switch from South America to South Africa, Allende has made over 150 appearances for the club and is an undisputed fan favourite. His tenacity and aggressiveness in the midfield, either as a central midfielder or as an attacking midfielder, makes the Sundowns a feared force in the league.

Tashreeq Matthews | @Masandawana 🤝🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/SgSA3xOMys

— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) June 22, 2025

This season, the Sundowns attack has been spearheaded by 25-year old Tashreeq Matthews and 30-year old Iqraam Rayners. Formerly a product of the Borussia Dortmund academy, Tashreeq Matthews returned to South Africa in 2023 and has represented the Sundowns ever since. This season, he has primarily operated in the left-wing spot, picking up 4 goals and 6 assists.

Brayan Leon Muniz, what a player 💛👆 pic.twitter.com/7hjEaqqY2N

— Sundowns Xtra (@SundownsXtra_) February 18, 2026

The January transfer window saw the Sundowns turn to Colombian striker Brayan Léon, signing him as a free agent, Thus far, Léon has scored 6 times in 10 appearances. Brayan Léon has provided astute cover in the absence of veteran striker, and this season's top scorer, Iqraam Rayners.

Mamelodi Sundowns also boast one of the South African Premier Division’s modern greats in Themba Zwane. With over 400 appearances in the famous yellow shirt, the 36-year-old has been the heartbeat of the Sundowns for more than a decade, a symbol of their dominance and consistency.

Only Denis Onyango and Themba Zwane are left.

Mamelodi Sundowns legends 💛🙏 pic.twitter.com/N340X7Ad9D

— Sundowns Xtra (@SundownsXtra_) February 24, 2026

Themba Zwane was part of the famous Mamelodi Sundowns team that achieved continental glory by winning the CAF Champions League in 2016. Although injuries have disrupted his campaign this season, Zwane’s anticipated return carries enormous weight. His composure, intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo elevate the entire side. Quite simply, Sundowns are a different team when Zwane is on the field.

The Season So Far

Despite sitting second in the league, the Brazilians have only lost one game all season. Their solitary loss in the league came in September when the side lost 1-0 to mid-table and Durban based side Lamontville Golden Arrows. The PSL consists of 16 teams, and so with 18 games played, the Sundowns have 12 more decisive fixtures to make their mark and stamp their authority on proceedings. With the side crashing out of the domestic cup last month, only the league and the CAF Champions League stand in their clutches.

Another big win in the #BetwayPrem for Masandawana! 🔥🙌

Mamelodi Sundowns (31’ Allende, 81’, 90+4’ Rayners) 3️⃣➖1️⃣ Sekhukhune United (70’ Grobler)#Sundowns #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/jI4yPQzV6R

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 1, 2026

Injuries, as ever in the modern game, threaten rhythm and momentum. Yet despite setbacks to several key figures, Sundowns have remained relentlessly competitive, and this is a reflection of their exceptional squad depth and structural stability. Now, with influential players returning at a pivotal stage of the campaign, the timing could not be more significant. This is the moment to reassert control.

Standing firmly in their path are Orlando Pirates, a side showing no intention of surrendering. Much like Sundowns, the Pirates are powered by elite domestic talent. Tshepang Moremi has been among the division’s standout performers, delivering 7 goals and 3 assists across all competitions. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Oswin Appollis has electrified both club and country this season, registering 11 goal contributions for Orlando Pirates as well as striking twice for the South Africa national side at the 2026 AFCON. Appollis was instrumental for Bafana in securing the country's World Cup qualification for the summer. This will be the first time South Africa have played in the FIFA World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010.

2-0 South Africa.

OSWIN APPOLIS HAS DOUBLED THE LEAD AND SOUTH AFRICA'S PATH TO THE WORLD CUP HAS JUST OPENED UP ENTIRELY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS CAN'T GO WRONG ANYMORE SURELY IT CAN'T !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/hpp7s4mGra

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 14, 2025

The Business End: What To Expect

The competition has never been fiercer for Mamelodi Sundowns, and the margins are shrinking by the week. As the season surges towards its climax, there is no room for hesitation. The Sundowns must deliver, or face watching their historic streak slip through their fingers.

South Africa's only representative in CAF. The best team in South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns 💛👆🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/g8JmW5vEdm

— Sundowns Xtra (@SundownsXtra_) February 19, 2026

With knockout football looming in the CAF Champions League, continental glory will tempt their focus, although domestic dominance remains the forefront of their dynasty. Now, as injured stars return and the pressure intensifies, this is where legacies are defined, and this is where experience and composure are crucial.

Just these two and Mamelodi Sundowns becomes the happiest family in the continent. pic.twitter.com/3QrZ2s6Xfu

— Sundowns Xtra (@SundownsXtra_) February 24, 2026

If Mamelodi Sundowns are to seize the crown once more, it will be forged in these final weeks when champions either rise again, or finally fall.