Sundowns close to eighth straight title as 10 players target first league crown

Mamelodi Sundowns are one point away from being confirmed as champions, with head coach Miguel Cardoso and 10 members of his squad poised to celebrate their first domestic league title.

Sundowns will secure an eighth consecutive league championship if they avoid defeat against Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium in East London on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 19:30.

The match will be particularly significant for Cardoso, who is seeking his first league title since taking charge. A draw or victory would be enough to confirm Sundowns as champions, extending their remarkable run of dominance in South African football.

The club have used 34 players in the league this season, and almost one-third of that group are newcomers. Five of those signings arrived before the campaign began with the prospect of winning their first championship with Sundowns.

Iqraam Rayners has made a major contribution since joining from Stellenbosch FC. The forward has scored 20 goals in all competitions and has quickly become one of the team’s key attacking players.

Brazilian forward Arthur Sales endured a slow beginning after moving from Belgium, but his form has improved considerably. He has now contributed 17 goals and assists across all competitions.

Asekho Tiwani also joined at the start of the season, arriving from Sekhukhune United. Kegan Johannes made the move from SuperSport United during the same period, while Kobamelo Kodisang returned from Portugal after spending five years there. His most recent club before joining Sundowns was Moreirense.

Malibongwe Khoza represents another route into the first team. Having progressed through Sundowns’ club structures, he made his senior debut last September and has already played 29 matches.

The potential title would be Khoza’s first with the senior side.

Sundowns added further reinforcements during the January transfer window. Jayden Adams moved from Stellenbosch, while Keanu Cupido joined from Cape Town City.

Lucas Suarez arrived on loan from Argentine club CA Talleres, giving Sundowns another option in the second half of the season.

The most recent addition has been Lebo Mothiba, although he has yet to make his debut. He arrived with fitness concerns after spending several months out because of injury.

Kutlwano Lethlaku, meanwhile, has taken on a greater role this season. He made only one appearance last term, but has been more involved during the current campaign and is likely to feel increasingly integrated into the squad.

Lethlaku has spent recent weeks away from the club while representing South Africa at the U20 AFCON finals.

Should Sundowns avoid defeat against Chippa United, Cardoso and the group of players yet to win the league with the senior team will be able to celebrate together. For several of the club’s newer faces, the achievement would mark the first championship success of their careers in domestic football.