Mamelodi Sundowns set the standard in South African and African football

Mamelodi Sundowns have established themselves as the leading force in South African football and, at present, the strongest side on the African continent.

While rival clubs are still settling into their domestic campaigns or competing to secure places in continental competitions, Sundowns have already separated themselves from the field.

They will represent Africa as reigning champions when they meet their Asian counterparts, Al Ahli, in the Fifa Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.

Their position has been built over a decade rather than achieved overnight. Sundowns’ return to the summit follows years of work since their last continental triumph, the CAF Champions League title in 2016.

The club have also had to ignore criticism along the way. They are sometimes mocked as a “small club” because their support base is smaller than those of traditional South African rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Rather than weakening their resolve, that perception has become an additional source of motivation.

Sundowns’ ambition to challenge for every available trophy, including the CAF Super Cup later this year, remains central to their success. Their squad combines considerable financial backing with a level of quality unmatched by their domestic competitors.

That strength was reflected in the latest Bafana Bafana selection. Coach Pitso Mosimane chose 13 Sundowns players in his 30-man squad for the two Afcon qualifiers against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday and Eritrea in Cairo on September 30, as well as the international friendly against Egypt in Cairo on October 4.

Sundowns’ heavy representation was no surprise given their experience of competing at the highest level. They supplied 10 players to the Bafana squad at the recent World Cup, where South Africa recorded a historic knockout-stage finish.

The club have used their resources to recruit leading players from across Africa and elsewhere. Their current squad includes five of the country’s strongest right-backs, with Thabang Matuludi and Deano van Rooyen joining Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena and Zuko Mdunyelwa.

They have also strengthened their goalkeeping options through the return of Ricardo Goss on loan from Siwelele. Goss is another Bafana international alongside Ronwen Williams, who remains the established first-choice goalkeeper for both club and country.

Sundowns’ defining quality is their clear objective in every competition: to win. That approach has shaped a transfer policy focused on quality rather than quantity, setting them apart from their closest rivals.

Some may view their accumulation of elite talent as excessive or damaging to players’ opportunities. Yet it has also created intense competition for places and exceptional depth, benefiting the club in domestic and continental football.

Mosimane is not currently concerned by the concentration of players at Sundowns. He intends to select footballers according to form and regular playing time, while allowing the battle for starting positions to develop.

Coach Miguel Cardoso has reinforced that competitive culture. The Portuguese manager demands recognition for his team’s achievements in South Africa and expects them to represent the nation with distinction across the continent.

His outspoken defence of Sundowns can occasionally appear arrogant, but within the club he is regarded as a determined leader. On Saturday, his side will again pursue the trophy in front of them, underlining why Sundowns remain the benchmark at home and Africa’s premier team.