Mamelodi Sundowns FC's status as continental champions has placed them on a financial pathway offering close to R120 million at best before Christmas. The team is set to earn a significant amount of money from various competitions, including the MTN8, CAF Champions League, and Carling Knockout.
What's at stake?
The team's performance in these competitions will determine the amount of money they will earn. In the MTN8, there is R10 million on offer for the winners, with the final set for Saturday, October 10 between either Sundowns or Golden Arrows against Orlando Pirates or Sekhukhune United. There is R1 million guaranteed if they don’t lift the trophy.
Why it matters for Mamelodi Sundowns FC
The team's financial situation is a crucial aspect of their performance on the field. With a significant amount of money at stake, the team's management will be under pressure to perform well in these competitions. The team's performance will also have a significant impact on their league standing, with them currently sitting 7th in the Premier Soccer League, 4 points behind leaders Orlando Pirates.
What comes next?
The team's next challenge will be in the CAF Champions League, where they will face the winner of the two legs between Angolan club Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela SAD and Foresters Mont Fleuri FC of Seychelles. If they get past that stage, they will enter the group stage, which will run from November to January. Reaching the group phase will come with a guaranteed minimum of USD700 000 (R11,3 million).
League standing and recent form
Mamelodi Sundowns FC are currently 7th in the Premier Soccer League, with 4 points from 2 games, and a recent form of DW. They are 3 points behind leaders Orlando Pirates in the title race.
Goals scored and conceded this season
The team has scored 4 goals and conceded 3 this season, with a goal difference of +1.
Carling Knockout and CAF Super Cup
The team will also participate in the Carling Knockout, which gets underway on October 24, and the CAF Super Cup one-off match against Confederation Cup winners, USM Alger, on November 8. The team will earn a significant amount of money from these competitions, with a guaranteed last 16 purse of R550 000 in the Carling Knockout, and USD500 000 (approx. R8,1 million) for the winners of the CAF Super Cup.
FIFA Intercontinental Cup
The team will also participate in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they will face the winner of the Al Ahli Saudi FC/Auckland FC match for the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on September 19. If they win that contest, they will play FIFA Challenger Cup against the winners of the 2026 Copa Libertadores (to be determined on November 28) and 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup (Deportivo Toluca FC) match. If they proceed again, they will contest the Intercontinental Cup final against UEFA Champions League holders, Paris Saint-Germain, where USD5 million (approx. R81 million) is on offer for the winners.
Conclusion
Mamelodi Sundowns FC's status as continental champions has placed them on a financial pathway offering close to R120 million at best before Christmas. The team's performance in various competitions will determine the amount of money they will earn, with a potential total of R120 million.
