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Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage
Seth Willis

Motivation for Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates? Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns defender sees no hope for Masandawana - 'The wheels are coming off'

The Brazilians have been a class above the Soweto giants and all South African top-tier teams, but their former defender has predicted a tough season for them.

  • Sundowns have been delivering domestically and abroad
  • However, current signs are not promising
  • Chiefs & Bucs urged to capitalise on the situation
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  • Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Mamelodi Sundowns have been dominating Mzansi for a decade, winning nine out of the possible 10 Premier Soccer League titles.

    Eight of those titles have been back-to-back as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates continue chasing shadows.

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  • Mamelodi Sundowns playersBackpagepix

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    However, from last season, it seems things are changing in favour of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

    Last season, Amakhosi beat Masandawana in the Nedbank Cup semi-final en route to beating Bucs to end their decade-long trophy drought.

    In the ongoing campaign, the Brazilians have not been convincing with their display across all competitions; the Sea Robbers eliminated them from the MTN8 semi-final, before Amakhosi held them to a goalless draw in the Premier Soccer League.

    Former Sundowns defender Benson Mhlongo is not convinced about the team, but still insists they have what it takes to win the league once again in the ongoing campaign. 

  • Mamelodi Sundowns fans

    WHAT MHLONGO SAID

    “The wheels are coming off; now everyone can compete with Sundowns. I think that’s what is happening," he told iDiski Times.

     "I think football now is played off the field, and people are realising that the only way to beat Sundowns is to cripple them – to find offers for those good players and ignite them to want to leave. 

    "So, there’s something happening behind the scenes, I think," Mhlongo continued.

    “Still, I think it’s going to take another two seasons to beat them because these other big teams, [Kaizer] Chiefs and [Orlando] Pirates, instead of keeping the squad that’s been competing with Sundowns, they are building again.

    “They are giving Sundowns a chance, and they are missing the opportunity. And then these ones [Sundowns] will rebuild quicker," he concluded.

  • Inacio Miguel & Flavio Silva, Kaizer Chiefs, August 2025Backpagepix

    WHAT NEXT?

    Chiefs have started the season well, collecting 13 points so far from five games without tasting defeat, while Pirates have seemingly rediscovered their form after a poor start that saw them lose their opening two PSL games.

    Bucs play Stellenbosch after the international break in the MTN8 final, as Amakhosi play joint leaders Sekhukhune United in the league on Tuesday, September 16.

    Wins for the Soweto giants will send a message to Sundowns.

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