Sundowns face rare chance to win trophies in successive matches

Mamelodi Sundowns could reach an unprecedented level in the 2026/27 season, with their schedule offering the possibility of winning two official trophies in consecutive matches.

The Brazilians’ immediate opportunity comes on 10 October, when they face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match follows their African-Asian-Pacific Cup triumph over Al Ahli Saudi on 19 September.

That victory secured Sundowns a place in the semi-finals of the IFA Intercontinental Cup, which will be staged as the Challenger Cup in December. They will play the winner of the Derby of the Americas, a fixture between Mexican club and CONCACAF champions Toluca FC and the winners of CONMEBOL’s Copa Libertadores.

The Challenger Cup winners will then face Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup.

With the MTN8 final coming directly after their AAP Cup success, Sundowns have the unusual prospect of competing for silverware in successive matches, despite the games being separated by three weeks.

A similar opportunity could arise in December if they qualify for the Carling KnockOut final. The final is scheduled for 12 December and could form part of another sequence featuring the Challenger Cup and Intercontinental Cup.

FIFA has not yet confirmed the dates for the Intercontinental Cup fixtures. They will take place in December after the Copa Libertadores final on 28 November, which will determine the team facing Toluca in the Derby of the Americas.

Multiple title opportunities

Before then, Sundowns must contest the CAF Super Cup against USM Alger on 8 November.

The club also remain involved in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup, with decisions in all three competitions due in May next year.

There is the potential for another run of high-stakes matches should Sundowns reach the Nedbank Cup final, win the domestic league and retain the Champions League.

The Nedbank Cup final is scheduled for 1 May, while the league is due to be decided on 22 May. The CAF Champions League is set to run from 9-31 May, although the precise match dates have not yet been confirmed.

Sundowns therefore have several routes to further honours after beginning the campaign with the AAP Cup. Their next test, however, is against Orlando Pirates, with the MTN8 trophy awaiting the winner in Durban.