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Manqoba Mngqithi, Kutlwano Letlhaku & Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns GOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

Carling Knockout: Manqoba Mngqithi & Mamelodi Sundowns’ chance to cement their legacy as the most dominant club in South Africa - Don’t blow it!

The Brazilians are set to light up Bloemfontein as they face off against Marumo Gallants in the semi-final on Sunday.

As a powerhouse of South African football, Sundowns have dominated the Premier Soccer League over the past decade, winning league titles consistently. However, their domestic cup record pales in comparison to their league achievements, with their most recent domestic cup wins in the 2021-22 season with the Nedbank Cup and MTN8. 

With the Carling Knockout in their sights, Sundowns have a chance to lighten up the first half of their season with a cup to add to their glistening cabinet. The semi-final against Marumo Gallants and a potential final offer the Tshwane giants an opportunity to deliver the first major trophy under head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

Here, GOAL takes a look at the importance of domestic cups to add to Sundowns’ legacy, Mngqithi’s chance to establish his reign and their semi-final test against Gallants.

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  • Mamelodi Sundowns, May 2024Backpagepix

    A stellar PSL record but a domestic cup drought

    Sundowns’ PSL dominance has been unrivalled, with the club clinching the title year after year and setting new standards in South African football. Yet, this same dominance has not translated into cup success. 

    The club’s domestic cup record, especially compared to their league triumphs, highlights an area of underachievement. Adding the Carling Knockout to their collection would address this imbalance and reinforce their standing as the country’s ultimate footballing powerhouse.

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  • Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Peter Shalulile, Grant Kekana and Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Importance of domestic cups in building a legacy

    While league titles are the backbone of any successful club, domestic cups play a crucial role in building a holistic legacy. These tournaments showcase resilience, adaptability, and knockout-stage skill — qualities that are equally important for a top team. 

    For a club with Sundowns’ stature, failing to capture domestic cup titles creates an incomplete narrative. Winning the Carling Knockout Cup would not only add another trophy but would also prove that Mngqithi’s men can excel in both league and knockout formats.


  • Steve Komphela and Manqoba Mngqithi, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Mngqithi’s opportunity to establish his reign

    Since taking over the reigns after the departure of Rhulani Mokwena, Mngqithi has been put into the spotlight to continue Sundowns’ trajectory not only in South Africa but on the continent and globally. 

    Securing the Carling Knockout would provide the first major cup title of his reign, allowing him to etch his name into Sundowns’ history. A victory in this tournament would cement Mngqithi’s impact at the club, proving that he is worthy of upholding the club to the highest standards.

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  • Edgar Manaka, Marumo GallantsBackpage

    Marumo Gallants: A semi-final test for Sundowns

    Gallants present a challenging yet manageable opponent in the Carling Knockoutsemi-finals. Although Sundowns are the favourites, Gallants have proven to be resilient in the competition, eliminating Polokwane City and defending champions Stellenbosch FC to reach the semi-finals.

    Sundowns cannot afford to underestimate them, especially considering the unpredictable nature of knockout games. A disciplined and focused approach in the semi-final will be essential to secure a place in the final.

  • Manqoba Mngqithi, Lucas Ribeiro, Tashreeq Matthews and Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi SundownsGOAL GFX

    Potential final on the cards

    Should Sundowns advance past Gallants, they’ll face a formidable opponent in the final, with both potential challengers eager for their own taste of cup glory. 

    However, Sundowns will likely be seen as the favourites, carrying their winning momentum into the decisive match. With the likes of on form Kutlwano Letlhaku, the guidance of the man who is currently donning the captain’s armband Ronwen Williams and red-hot Lucas Ribeiro, Sundowns possess a formidable squad that can go all the way to lift the Carling Knockout trophy.

  • Mamelodi Sundowns fansBackpagepix

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