Sundowns target nine trophies after fast start to season

Mamelodi Sundowns have won two trophies before the end of October and are now chasing a possible haul of nine by the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.

The South African club lifted the MTN8 on Saturday after a 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners scored as Sundowns claimed the competition for the first time since 2021.

That success followed their 2-1 win over Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in the FIFA Africa-Asian-Pacific Cup less than a month earlier.

The reigning African champions still have seven further competitions in which they could compete for silverware: the CAF Super Cup, FIFA Challenger Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League.

Sundowns won the CAF Champions League last season and must now attempt to defend their continental title while managing a demanding domestic and international schedule.

Their next match is Tuesday’s Betway Premiership fixture against Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium. They will then travel to Angola to face Wiliete Sport Clube in the final qualifying round of the CAF Champions League.

Cardoso demands focus

Coach Miguel Cardoso has made it clear that winning two trophies has not reduced the club’s ambition. The Portuguese manager has also warned that the congested calendar will test the squad’s depth, fitness and consistency.

After the MTN8 final, Cardoso told his players to celebrate their achievement but remain focused on the immediate challenges ahead.

“It’s not that you collect two medals in October that you should be happy,” Cardoso said.

“Well, we should be happy of course, but we have to be humble enough to know that we have a match to respect in two days and the qualifying round of the CAF Champions League to be played next weekend.”

He also said the Carling Knockout and the other competitions would require Sundowns to maintain their concentration and trust the values they had developed as a team.

The FIFA competitions would give Sundowns the chance to test themselves against leading clubs from other continents, while the CAF Super Cup offers another opportunity to enhance their standing in African football.

At domestic level, they could further strengthen their position by reclaiming the league title from Orlando Pirates, as well as challenging for the Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout.

The opening two trophies have given Sundowns a strong foundation, but completing the full campaign with further honours will depend on how successfully they handle the workload and maintain their standards throughout the season.