Sundowns begin trophy-packed season with Al Ahli test

Mamelodi Sundowns’ pursuit of silverware in the 2026/27 season begins on Saturday when they face AFC Champions League holders Al Ahli in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

The match is the first step on a route towards the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, with the Chloorkop-based side aiming to claim the opening trophy available to them this campaign.

Victory against the Saudi Arabian club would send Miguel Cardoso’s team into December’s Challenger Cup, where they would meet the winners of the Derby of the Americas. A further win would set up a place in the Intercontinental final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The FIFA Intercontinental Cup is a three-stage competition offering prize money ranging from USD1 million (approximately R16,3 million) to USD5 million (approximately R81 million).

Sundowns’ demanding run of cup fixtures continues on October 10, when they face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final. The winners of that match will receive R10 million.

Their next opportunity comes in the CAF Super Cup, with a one-off meeting against USM Alger scheduled for November 8. The victorious team will collect USD500 000 (approximately R8,1 million), while the runners-up will receive USD250 000 (approximately R4,07 million).

That schedule could see Sundowns appear in a final or compete for a trophy across three consecutive months.

They may also have the chance to contest the Carling Knockout final before Christmas. To reach that match, they must progress through the Last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals before winning the final.

The Carling Knockout begins on October 24 and concludes on December 12, with R6,85 million set aside for the winners.

Sundowns’ ambitions extend beyond the early-season cup competitions. They remain involved in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup, while their continental campaign will continue with a final qualifying-round tie against Angolan club Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela SAD in October.

That tie will decide whether Sundowns reach the CAF Champions League group stage.

The Tshwane club are also seeking to add to a haul of more than 29 trophies won during the PSL era. Their record in that period includes 15 league titles, two Champions League triumphs, one CAF Super Cup, one African Football League title and five Nedbank Cup trophies.

They have also won the Carling Knockout three times and the MTN8 twice.