Mere backs Sundowns to end cup drought in honour of late Adams

Vuyo Mere believes Mamelodi Sundowns can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Lamontville Golden Arrows and win this year’s MTN8, ending the club’s four-year wait for a domestic trophy while paying tribute to the late Jayden Adams.

Sundowns must recover from the first-leg defeat when the sides meet again on Sunday, with Mere convinced the players have an added motivation to deliver silverware. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy player says the campaign has become about more than reaching the final or lifting a trophy.

“It’s been a long, long, long time since they’ve won a domestic cup. So, you know, I think even for Jayden, man. I think they owe it to Jayden’s family. Grootman must get something this season.”

The remarks underline the pressure on Sundowns, who have established themselves as a dominant force in league football and continental competitions but have been unable to match that success consistently in domestic cup competitions.

Their last MTN8 triumph came more than four years ago. For a club with Sundowns’ stature and resources, that length of time without a domestic cup has become an increasingly uncomfortable storyline, particularly given their regular presence among the leading sides in South African football.

Mere’s reference to Adams has given the tie an emotional dimension. Adams’ death has affected the wider South African football community, and the former Sundowns player believes success in the competition could serve as a significant tribute to his memory.

He also feels that a victory would offer support and comfort to Adams’ family, making the outcome of Sunday’s match especially meaningful for those connected to the club and the player.

The task facing Sundowns remains difficult. They must overturn Golden Arrows’ one-goal advantage, and they will do so against an opponent that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate them. A narrow defeat in the opening leg means Sundowns need a decisive response if they are to continue their MTN8 campaign.

That response will demand more than tactical adjustments. The players must combine attacking quality with the determination required to break down a Golden Arrows side that has already shown it can protect a lead against them.

Mere’s belief is that the motivation within the Sundowns squad will come from a source deeper than ordinary competitive ambition. The club’s desire to end its domestic cup drought is now tied to the chance to honour Adams and provide his family with a moment of significance.

For Sundowns, Sunday’s second leg therefore carries the weight of both history and remembrance. A comeback would take them closer to MTN8 success and, in Mere’s view, allow the team to fulfil an obligation to Adams’ family while finally bringing an end to their long wait for domestic silverware.