Mamelodi Sundowns part ways with analyst Mario Masha amid controversies

Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the departure of performance analyst Mario Masha, bringing an end to a long stint at the club that lasted more than a decade.

Masha was suspended in February and kept out for the remainder of the season after allegations emerged that he had allegedly shared tactical information with former Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena during a CAF Champions League group-stage clash between Sundowns and MC Alger.

Mokwena, now in charge of MC Alger, strongly denied the accusations at the time, insisting on the eve of the match that he had not received any inside information that could influence his approach against his former club. He also stressed he would never act in a way that could damage someone’s career.

However, Mokwena—still a well-regarded figure among Sundowns supporters—acknowledged that he and Masha had maintained contact, describing their exchanges as professional and partly linked to Masha’s UEFA coaching studies. He maintained that any information shared related to their previous working relationship at Sundowns rather than competitive advantage.

On the pitch, Sundowns have continued to thrive in Africa’s premier club competition, the CAF Champions League. January signing Brayan León has emerged as a key figure, scoring crucial goals that have powered the South African champions forward.

León was once again decisive in the quarter-final stage, netting twice across the tie against MC Alger, before Sundowns sealed progression to the final with a 1–0 win over Espérance de Tunis, completing a 2–0 aggregate victory.

The win ensures Sundowns reach the Champions League final for a second consecutive season, extending their impressive continental run.

Masha’s exit closes a 10-year and seven-month chapter with the club. He joined Sundowns in August 2015 after a spell with Maritzburg United (now Durban City), and previously worked internationally with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. He also holds a UEFA A Licence coaching qualification.

In related changes, long-serving analyst Goolam Valodia, who left Sundowns after 15 years last season, has since joined Durban City, now competing in the Nedbank Cup final.

Looking ahead, Sundowns will face Moroccan side AS FAR in the final of the CAF Champions League, as they chase continental glory once again.