Mamelodi Sundowns players make up a significant portion of the Bafana Bafana squad for upcoming Afcon qualifiers. National team coach Pitso Mosimane selected 13 Sundowns players in his 30-member squad for matches against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday, Eritrea in Cairo on September 30, and a friendly against Egypt in Cairo on October 4.
This heavy representation reflects the club's current dominance. Mamelodi Sundowns sit first in the Premier Soccer League with 20 points from eight games, holding a one-point lead at the top. Their recent form includes a 2-1 victory over Al-Ahli Jeddah last week, a result that highlights their competitive edge ahead of continental finals. The team's defensive solidity is reflected in their goal minutes, having conceded only 3 goals in their last 540 minutes of league play.
The club's success is built on consistent performance and deep squad investment. Sundowns had the highest representation of any South African club at the recent World Cup, with 10 players in the squad that reached the knockout stage. Their status as the benchmark of South African and African football is further cemented by their 2016 CAF Champions League triumph and ongoing continental ambitions.
Coach Miguel Cardoso oversees a squad with remarkable depth in key positions. The club has recently strengthened its right-back options by signing Thabang Matuludi and Deano van Rooyen, who join existing players Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena and Zuko Mdunyelwa. Goalkeeper Ricardo Goss has also returned to the club on loan, adding to the options alongside Ronwen Williams.
The club's schedule is packed with high-stakes fixtures. Mamelodi Sundowns are scheduled to face Al Ahli in the FIFA Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on a Saturday afternoon. They are also set to compete in the CAF Super Cup later this year. Before those continental showpieces, the domestic campaign continues with a trip to face Richards Bay on October 17. Following the international break, Sundowns' next fixture is a Premier Soccer League match away at Richards Bay on October 17. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings and see the full fixtures list.
The immediate focus for the 13 called-up players shifts to the national team. Bafana Bafana begin their qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday, with the Sundowns contingent expected to be central to Mosimane's plans.
The report in full is at themercury.co.za
