Mamelodi Sundowns will face Al Ahli in the Fifa Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon. The match reinforces the club's standing as the reigning African champions and a benchmark for the continent.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has named 13 Sundowns players in his 30-man squad for upcoming internationals, the highest representation from any club. "Mamelodi Sundowns know what it takes to compete at continental and international levels," Mosimane said. The national team faces Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday, Eritrea in Cairo on September 30, and Egypt in a friendly on October 4.
The club's financial power allows it to sign top talent from across Africa and beyond, prioritising quality over quantity. This season, they strengthened an already deep right-back position by signing Thabang Matuludi and Deano van Rooyen, adding to Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, and Zuko Mdunyelwa. Goalkeeper Ricardo Goss also returned on loan from Siwelele to provide cover for first-choice Ronwen Williams.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso is determined for his team to earn recognition both at home and abroad. "Mamelodi Sundowns players and staff likely see a fierce leader determined to succeed on all fronts," Cardoso said. This domestic dominance is clear in the Premier Soccer League, where Sundowns sit first with 20 points from eight games, one point clear of Orlando Pirates. Their recent form includes a 2-1 victory over Al-Ahli Jeddah just days ago, a useful preview of the continental final.
After the cup final, focus returns to the league. Sundowns' next fixture is away to 14th-placed Richards Bay on October 17. Balancing domestic duties with continental success is a challenge the squad is built for, evidenced by their unbeaten run in the last five matches. The full schedule ahead is available on our fixtures list.
With 10 players featuring in Bafana Bafana's historic World Cup knockout-stage run, the pipeline from Chloorkop to the national team is stronger than ever. Mosimane selects based on form and regular game time, a policy that benefits a squad competing on multiple fronts. As they prepare for the CAF Super Cup later this year, Sundowns continue to set the standard others chase.
The report in full is at Cape Times
