Following intensive training outside the country in Austria, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stated that the camp positively influenced the team's morale.
It is easy to assume that Orlando Pirates will win the fifth consecutive Wafa Wafa Cup, given their recent four victories in MTN8. However, based on past season results across all competitions and squad retention, Mamelodi Sundowns, rather than Pirates, are the clear favorites for the MTN8 title this season.
Pirates started the campaign well, defeating Milford FC 2-0 in the Betway Premiership title defense. This boosted morale as the team aims to defend all three of its trophies, including the Carling Knockout.
Nevertheless, their play did not demonstrate a convincing intent to dominate the league this season. The team lacked cohesion and fluidity, allowing new players to look good and show they are not in the top division merely to fill spots.
Coach Abdeslam Wadee openly commented on his team's performance, admitting that they have not yet become a cohesive unit, despite spending over two weeks in intensive training in Marbella, Spain, where they played friendlies against notable opponents like Al-Ittihad.
In his admission, Wadee seemed to send an indirect signal to the management about the need to reduce their bloated squad to a manageable size after signing more than eight new players, including Sibangani Zulu, Neo Rapa, Mtheteleni Mthiyane, Sebastian Pardesena, and Bolale Ngwato.
If they cannot reduce the squad, the Moroccan emphasized that they would require at least two training bases—a precarious situation that would overload the coaching staff.
Wadee is right. Although he may require greater squad depth than last season, he still needs a core, proven group. Defending the league title remains his priority, but performing successfully in all tournaments, including the CAF Champions League, is equally important.
Continental performance distinguishes professionals from amateurs. After Pirates were eliminated in the qualifiers last season, early critics called for Wadee's dismissal. Nevertheless, the coach responded confidently, silencing skeptics with an MTN8 victory.
This success, achieved in four matches, seemed an easy feat. He will likely want to ensure a strong start to the current season by aiming to beat Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-finals at their home ground, Orlando Amstel Arena.
However, the character of his team will be tested as the tournament progresses, given the high expectations and overall ambitions.
The time has come for MTN8 2026/27, and The Brazilians are ready for another battle for trophies. The Mamelodi Sundowns team faced dark clouds following the tragic death of Jayden Adams after his return from the successful North American World Cup with Bafana Bafana. Nevertheless, after a period of intensive training in Austria, coach Miguel Cardoso stated that this camp boosted the team's morale, allowing them to gather and focus on the upcoming season.
Unlike Pirates, they have not yet found their rhythm in national football, as their first league match against Marumo Gallants was postponed by the PSL following Adams' death.
Starting the MTN8 campaign against Polokwane City on Saturday evening, The Brazilians will bring an element of surprise to their squad. Furthermore, they maintain continuity, relying on the momentum of the previous season. They signed only two players, Siyandu Ndlovu and Antonio Van Wyk, while notably releasing Peter Shalulile—unlike Pirates, who parted ways with more than 10 players, including PSL season player Relebokhile Mofokeng.
For Sundowns, the national season is about returning, not consolidating positions, which simplifies their focus. They lost their eight-year league championship dominance to Pirates after finishing second.
