Mamelodi Sundowns face punishing start to 2026-27 season

Mamelodi Sundowns face a demanding opening to the 2026-27 campaign, with a congested schedule potentially giving them seven matches in 22 days across domestic, continental and international competitions.

The Brazilians’ season was delayed following the death of Jayden Adams, but they will now begin with an MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City at home on Saturday, 8 August, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

Sundowns will then travel to Mbombela Stadium to face TS Galaxy on 11 August before returning to Gauteng for a short trip to FNB Stadium, where they will meet Kaizer Chiefs on 15 August.

Their next three fixtures are scheduled to take place at Loftus Versfeld. The run begins with the rearranged match against Marumo Gallants on 19 August, followed by meetings with AmaZulu on 26 August and Milford on 2 September.

Should Sundowns progress to the MTN8 semi-finals, they would add two more matches to an already demanding period. The first leg is scheduled for 22 August, with the return match taking place on 29 August.

That would leave the club with seven fixtures between 8 and 29 August, before they return to action against Milford on 2 September.

Sundowns’ continental schedule remains dependent on a decision by CAF over their potential first-round bye in the qualifying competition. The first legs of the CAF Champions League first-round qualifiers are scheduled for 5 September, with the second legs set to be played seven days later.

There is an expectation that Sundowns will receive a bye in the first qualifying round. They could also be given another bye in the second round, which would take them directly into the group stages and ease the burden of their fixture list.

A match at King Zwelithini Stadium against Golden Arrows is currently reserved for 6 September, although that date is based on Sundowns not participating in the CAF Champions League first-round qualifiers.

The club would then host Siwelele at Loftus Versfeld on 9 September before travelling to face Chippa United on 12 September.

As champions of Africa, Sundowns will also compete in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Their campaign is due to begin on 19 September against the winner of the match between Al Ahli Saudi FC and Auckland FC for the FIFA African–Asian–Pacific Cup.

The international window from 21 September to 6 October follows that fixture. If Sundowns reach the MTN8 final, they would have another match to play on 10 October.

Their continental commitments continue on 31 October, when they are scheduled to face Confederation Cup winners USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup.

The sequence of matches underlines the scale of the challenge awaiting Sundowns at the start of the new season, with their domestic title defence, MTN8 campaign and African and global competitions all contributing to a packed calendar.

Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns