Sundowns’ experience gives them an edge despite having only the Betway Premiership’s fifth-oldest squad

Mamelodi Sundowns will begin the new Betway Premiership season with an average squad age of 27.7 years, but it is the quality and depth of their experience that could continue to set them apart from South Africa’s other leading clubs.

Sundowns have the fifth-oldest squad in the division overall. However, among the country’s traditional ‘Big Three’, the Brazilians have the most experienced group of players, with a higher average age than both Orlando Pirates, at 26.4, and Kaizer Chiefs, at 26.9.

That difference reflects contrasting approaches to squad building. While Pirates and Chiefs have increasingly focused on younger profiles, Sundowns have retained a stronger core of proven performers while continuing to include emerging talent.

The strategy produced significant rewards last season, when Miguel Cardoso’s side won the CAF Champions League.

In the decisive stages of that competition, Sundowns repeatedly benefited from players accustomed to the demands of high-pressure matches. Their experience provided composure, leadership and the understanding required to manage the fine margins that often decide knockout ties.

Ronwen Williams, 34, Grant Kekana, 33, Khuliso Mudau, 31, Iqraam Rayners, 30, and Teboho Mokoena, 29, form an important part of that senior group. Although most are technically beyond the age often associated with a player’s peak, their performances have continued to demonstrate that they remain capable of operating at the highest level.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango is the clearest example of Sundowns’ emphasis on experience. The 41-year-old Ugandan is the oldest player in the squad and continues to offer valuable leadership behind the scenes, even though younger goalkeepers have taken on greater responsibility during matches.

Sundowns have not abandoned youth in pursuit of experience. Siyabonga Mabena, at 19, is the youngest member of the squad and illustrates the club’s effort to combine developing players with established professionals.

The age profile also highlights a broader feature of football in South Africa. In many European leagues, players are often viewed as reaching their peak in their mid-20s, after which clubs may look to replace them with younger options. In the Betway Premiership, however, players frequently reach their best years later.

Career pathways, player development and the physical demands of African football can mean that individuals only reach their prime in their late 20s or early 30s. As a result, experience may carry greater value in the local game than it does in some other leagues.

The figures from across the division support that view. Newly promoted Milford FC have the oldest squad in the Betway Premiership, with an average age of 29, while AmaZulu have the youngest at 25.6.

Orlando Pirates have continued to refresh their squad, although 37-year-old midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula remains one of the senior figures in their dressing room. Their youngest recognised first-team player is 20-year-old Neo Rapoo.

Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, also appear to be planning for the future. Their youngest squad member is 19-year-old goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba, while 33-year-old Pule Mmodi is currently their oldest player.

Sundowns therefore occupy a middle position in the wider league. They are neither the oldest nor the youngest team, but they possess an experience level not matched by their closest domestic rivals.

Their CAF Champions League success showed how effectively that blend can work. As they pursue further honours in the Betway Premiership and on the African stage, the balance between seasoned professionals and younger talent could again prove to be one of their strongest assets.