Sundowns move closer to 10-trophy lead over Chiefs and Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns have strengthened their dominance of South African football after winning the African-Asian-Pacific Cup, taking their total to 30 trophies in the PSL era and leaving them one major success away from a double-figure lead over Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns defeated Al Ahli FC on Saturday to claim the trophy and continue their progress in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Their next match in that route will be the Challenger Cup, while Paris Saint-Germain await in the final.

Al Ahli FC entered the contest as winners of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League, while Sundowns were representing Africa as CAF Champions League holders. Miguel Cardoso’s side prevailed to add another honour to a rapidly expanding collection.

The 30 trophies have been won since the PSL era began in August 1996. Sundowns’ haul includes 15 league titles, two CAF Champions League crowns, the CAF Super Cup, the African Football League, five Nedbank Cup successes, three Carling Knockout wins and two MTN8 trophies.

Kaizer Chiefs are second on 21 trophies, with Orlando Pirates now on 20. Chiefs have won only one trophy in the past 11 years, highlighting the decline of the Naturena-based club during that period.

Pirates’ total includes five league titles but does not count the 1996 BP Top 8 or that year’s CAF Super Cup. Both competitions were played before the PSL began in August 1996.

Sundowns’ crowded trophy schedule

After winning the African-Asian-Pacific Cup for the first time, Sundowns will face the winners of the Derby of the Americas in the Challenger Cup. CONCACAF champions Toluca FC are waiting to meet the winners of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s leading club competition.

The Copa Libertadores has reached the semi-final stage, with three Brazilian clubs SE Palmeiras, CR Flamengo and Fluminense FC still involved alongside Argentina’s Estudiantes de La Plata.

Sundowns could extend their advantage over their domestic rivals to at least 10 trophies during the current campaign. Their immediate opportunity comes in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on October 10.

A Sundowns victory would take their lead into double figures. If Pirates win, they will draw level with Kaizer Chiefs and claim the competition for a fifth successive season.

Sundowns are also scheduled to play USM Alger in a one-off CAF Super Cup match on November 8. They remain in contention for the Carling Knockout, whose final is due to take place on December 12.

Before the end of the year, the trophies available include the MTN8, CAF Super Cup, Carling Knockout, Challenger Cup and Intercontinental Cup. The campaign will also feature the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup, leaving Miguel Cardoso’s team with a remarkable nine trophies on offer this season.