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Dingizwe Gwala

Forget it Kaizer Chiefs! Why Mamelodi Sundowns will dominate the PSL in upcoming 2025/26 season & Miguel Cardoso's side can now beat Orlando Pirates to second Caf Champions League star

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are desperate for the PSL title - but do they have enough to wrestle it from Mamelodi Sundowns' stronghold?

Mamelodi Sundowns are the undisputed giants of South African football, fueled by both their immense wealth and an all-star squad. With billionaire Patrice Motsepe owning Sundowns, the club have the financial clout to snatch up top talent from across the globe, all while chasing major financial rewards for a Caf Champions League win and R75 million from the Fifa Club World Cup.

With this kind of firepower, Sundowns aren’t just aiming for domestic glory - they’re setting their sights on continental supremacy.

Meanwhile, rivals like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are struggling to match Sundowns' might. But can they, really? The Buccaneers have fallen short when it matters most, while Chiefs, despite winning the Nedbank Cup, are languishing in mid-table mediocrity. With coach Miguel Cardoso leading the charge, Sundowns are poised to dominate for years to come - unless someone can rise to challenge their reign.

Here, GOAL looks at why Sundowns are set to continue their dominance in the PSL next season and beyond.

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  • Mamelodi Sundowns, May 2025Backpage

    Mamelodi Sundowns: A PSL powerhouse fueled by wealth and ambition

    The Brazilians are not just the richest football club in South Africa - they’re a financial juggernaut with the means to reshape the transfer market at will. Backed by billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe, the club has the luxury of cherry-picking talent not just locally, but from footballing hotbeds like South America. With massive incentives on the horizon - US\$4 million (approximately R72,377,456.00) for winning the Caf Champions League and another R75 million up for grabs at the Fifa Club World Cup - Sundowns are primed to reinvest heavily in bolstering their already glittering squad. Their ambition is as bold as their bank balance. Sundowns claimed their eighth title in a row, but who has won the most PSL titles?

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  • Mamelodi Sundowns, May 2025Backpage

    A squad stacked with stars

    When it comes to squad depth, Sundowns play in a league of their own. Their philosophy is clearly quality over quantity, and it shows. This is a team that could comfortably field three separate starting elevens and still dominate the PSL. Many of their stars double as key players for Bafana Bafana, including the imperious Teboho Mokoena, the ever-reliable Ronwen Williams, and the evergreen Themba Zwane. With such firepower, Sundowns aren’t just the best team in South Africa - they’re on the brink of becoming Africa’s undisputed elite if they clinch the 2024/25 Champions League title.

  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns Backpage

    Miguel Cardoso: The mastermind behind the machine

    Cardoso has quickly established himself as one of the most astute tacticians on the continent. After conquering Tunisia with Esperance by winning the Ligue Professionnelle 1 and reaching the Champions League final (falling just short against Al Ahly) last season. Cardoso brought his winning blueprint to South Africa. Under his guidance, Sundowns have clinched yet another league title, and now he finds himself preparing for a second consecutive Champions League final - this time to go one better. As they prepare to face Egyptian money spinners Pyramids, Cardoso has his sights firmly set on bringing the gold medal home.

  • Orlando Pirates, 2025Backpage

    Sundowns vs Pirates: A rivalry of persistence and power

    For three straight seasons, Pirates have tried to throw a spanner in Sundowns’ relentless title charge. They’ve pushed, they’ve battled - but when the pressure peaked, they faltered. In contrast, Sundowns have demonstrated a ruthless streak, often wrapping up the title race with games to spare. While Pirates huffed and puffed, it was Sundowns who stamped their authority early, raced ahead, and simply never looked back. There is a suggestion that Pirates are not league-winning material. Consistency, composure, and clinical execution - that’s the Sundowns way.

  • Dillan Solomons, Glody Lilepo and Makhehleni Makahula, Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Kaizer Chiefs: A sleeping giant in disarray

    Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s biggest football institutions, have been enduring a frustrating spell in the wilderness as they have been chronic underachievers in the last decade as far as the PSL title is concerned. Despite a glimmer of success with the Nedbank Cup, their league campaign has been nothing short of underwhelming. Currently scrambling just to secure a top-eight finish, the Glamour Boys have fallen far from their former glory. With a squad that’s yet to gel and a clear lack of title-winning quality, a rebuild is imperative. But before new signings arrive, Chiefs will need to clear out the deadwood and redefine their identity if they hope to challenge Sundowns' dominance any time soon.

  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

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