Tapelo Marena supports Memelodi Sundowns in the pursuit of a second consecutive Champions League title

The Mamelodi Sundowns team has already won two trophies this season, but coach Miguel Cardoso emphasized that the Brazilians are far from satisfied and continue to fight for awards on several fronts.

The giants from Tshwane added the MTN8 tournament to their trophy cabinet after defeating Orlando Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Tebogo Mokoeona and Ikraam Reyners scored the goals, ending the wait for the title in this tournament since 2021.

This victory came less than a month after Sundowns' triumph over Saudi club Al Ahli with a score of 2-1 in the Africa-Asia-Pacific Confederation Cup, opening up the possibility for the current African champions to have an exceptional campaign.

With seven more competitions potentially on the trophy list, the question arises as to how many more the Brazilians can achieve before the end of the 2026/27 season. These include the CAF Super Cup, FIFA Challenger Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, Betway Premiership, and CAF Champions League, although the routes and difficulties of these tournaments differ.

Sundowns has already established itself as one of the continent's leading clubs by winning the CAF Champions League last season. Now they face the task of defending this title while managing domestic obligations and international competition demands.

Their next immediate task is the Betway Premiership match on Tuesday against Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium, after which they will travel to Angola to begin their title defense in the Champions League against Wiliete Sport Clube in the final qualifying round.

Cardoso has repeatedly stressed the importance of ambition, but the Portuguese manager also realizes that the strain of a tight match schedule can test the depth of the squad and the team's ability to maintain stability.

After the MTN8 final, he urged the players to enjoy their success without letting it distract them from the remaining work. 'It's not like we need to celebrate collecting two medals in October,' Cardoso stated. 'Well, we should be happy, of course, but we must be humble enough to understand that we have a match in two days, and the CAF Champions League qualifying round is next week.'

The coach added that the Carling Knockout and other challenges will require the team to maintain concentration and belief in the values they have developed. The prospect of additional trophies looks realistic for Sundowns, but winning all competitions will require more than the quality that brought them early success. Squad management, physical condition, and stability will be decisive as the schedule intensifies.

FIFA competitions offer a particularly attractive opportunity to compare themselves with leading clubs from other continents, while the CAF Super Cup will provide another chance to strengthen their continental reputation. Domestically, reclaiming the league title from Pirates and participating in the Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout will further underscore their strength in South African football. Two trophies by October gave Sundowns a great foundation. Whether they can turn this start into one of the most decorated seasons in the club's history will depend on how effectively they handle the upcoming challenges.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz stated that his team has the potential to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns, although he is unsure if they can maintain such a high level of intensity throughout the season.

Mamelodi Sundowns is currently considered the best team in domestic football. They demonstrated their skill by defeating Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening, winning their first domestic trophy of the season.

Previously, the Brazilian team was recognized as the best on the African continent, as well as in the Asia-Pacific region after victories in the CAF Champions League and the FIFA Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup, respectively.

Now that the Brazilian team is at the top of these regions, other teams are striving to test their competitiveness against them.

Speaking at a press conference before the match against Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening (at 19:30), da Cruz made a bold statement, referencing the game where Amakhosi drew 1-1 with Sundowns at the same venue earlier in the season.

He noted: 'At the beginning of the season, we saw that we could compete with Mamelodi Sundowns in that one game. We played very well against them.' He continued: 'Our goal is to compete throughout the season and go through all stages against them in the PSL. However, at this moment, I cannot say whether we can do it or not.'

Chiefs will face Stellenbosch in their first match after the FIFA World Cup break, aiming to maintain their undefeated start in the league. They are currently in fourth place with 13 points, seven points behind leaders Sundowns, despite Sundowns having played one more match.

Da Cruz faces injury problems ahead of the match against Stellies, especially considering that three midfielders have been ruled out: Lebohang Maboe, Siphesile Ndlovu, and Adolph Mtasinga, leaving Sibongiseni Mthethwa as the only healthy regular player. The French coach remains composed.

Da Cruz stated: 'I fully understand this issue and I am speaking frankly' regarding Mthethwa being the most recognizable central midfielder available for selection. 'But we have prepared something, and you will see tomorrow.'

Former Orlando Pirates forward Lechlokhonolo Majoro believes that in football, Yanela Mbutu's hard work should be valued with a goal that will allow him to surpass the Mamelodi Sundowns forwards in the MTN8 final, which takes place on Saturday.

Lechlokhonolo Majoro thinks that Yanela Mbutu deserves a chance to impress when facing Mamelodi Sundowns players such as Bryan Leon, Ikraam Reyners, and Cassius Mailula in the upcoming MTN8 final.

Mbutuma enters the final in impressive form, having registered three assists and two goals in the last five matches, including a decisive assist in Bafana Bafana's debut match against Guinea.

However, for Majoro, the attacker's work ethic and his ability to create opportunities for teammates are more significant. He told IOL Sport: 'This is a cup final, ruthlessness in front of the goal is very important because you might get an opportunity at the beginning of the match, and it might be the only one you get all game.'

Majoro emphasized: 'I like Mbutu's work rate, which people often overlook; a forward's job is not just to score goals, but also to create goals and space for teammates, and he has done that exceptionally well.'

Majoro believes that the Pirates forward now deserves to add a goal to his recent contribution streak, especially after immediately impressing for the Bafana national team. He added: 'I would like to see him score a goal to complete everything he has done in previous rounds, as well as after he made that assist for Bafana, so the only way football can reward him is with a goal.'

Nevertheless, Mbutuma will face serious competition for attention, as Sundowns have Leon and Mailula in their attacking lines. Majoro knows Leon's potential when he gets into rhythm and believes that Mailula's return gives Sundowns another threat in attack.

He noted: 'We know Leon, we know that if he is in the mood, he can score at any moment. And Mailula's return, and we have seen him scoring goals, speaks to an environment that allows a player to function.'

Since Pirates are aiming for a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, and Sundowns seek to end their dominance in the tournament, the clash between the attacking players could prove decisive.