Mamelodi Sundowns FC news

Amakhosi cruised past Chippa United, delivering a commanding performance. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers tightened their grip on the summit, opening a five‑point cushion after overcoming Richards Bay. Saturday’s results underline the growing intensity of the title race, with both giants finding form at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Masandawana managed to outclass their first group stage opponents by securing a win in an end-to-end encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. Considered a group of death, Downs have collected their first three points after dispatching the Sea Robbers' tormentors. The home win is a morale boost for the Tshwane giants, who will face their former head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, in their next continental game.

The 38-year-old tactician did not have a good start to the CAF Inter-Club Group D assignment after falling against a Sudanese outfit on Friday. It was a massive blow to the former Masandawana coach, who is desperate to win the prestigious continental annual club competition after reaching the quarter-final and semi-final in the initial editions with the South African heavyweights.

The Democratic Republic of Congo outfit will be at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, hoping to cause an upset against the defending Premier Soccer League champions in the CAF Inter-Club competition. This is the first-ever meeting between the teams across all tournaments, which makes the game even more entertaining.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions Masandawana are set for another massive challenge in the continental outing when they host the Chaminots at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. A win for the Brazilians will be needed for them to avoid the pressure of making it out of the pool in their bid to go all the way and win the elusive second star.

Since lifting their first CAF Champions League crown in 2016, the Brazilians have been haunted by the elusive second star. Every season, the ambition burns brighter, yet heartbreak follows. Now, as they gear up to host Lupopo, Masandawana’s quest feels renewed - armed with depth, tactical clarity and continental hunger, this campaign could finally deliver the prize they covet most.

Masandawana host the Railmen at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday as they begin their CAF Champions League Group C campaign. They are keen on making a strong statement, knowing a win would help them stay at par or overtake Al Hilal, who occupy top spot after edging MC Alger on Friday. With home advantage and high expectations on them after last season's near-miss in this tournament, the Tshwane giants will be pushing to seize early control of the group.

The Bafana full-back has struggled to break into Masandawana's first team despite the ambitious move he made before the season began. At Chloorkop, Basadien is facing stiff competition from Zimbabwean star Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba. His situation at the Pretoria giants has complicated his chances of making it into the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.

The Algerian champions began their group campaign on a sour note after suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Sudanese giants at Al Hilal's temporary home ground, Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday. It was a disappointing outing in which they struggled to impose themselves despite some periods of promise. For The Doyen’s South African coach, it was a forgettable game as his side could not make use of their numerical advantage late in the match.

The 38-year-old enjoyed a great career with both South Africa's Bafana Bafana and the Glamour Boys at large before he was forced to retire at the end of the 2023/24 season. The legendary custodian has now advised fringe custodians at Masandawana and the Buccaneers on what to do to be successful in their careers.

Since October 2024, the veteran midfielder has been battling persistent fitness issues that have severely limited his game time for both club and country. His latest injury struck just as he had recovered from a previous setback, adding to the frustration. The recurring problems have raised fears that he may now be injury-prone. With him spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, concerns continue to grow about the future of his career. These mounting worries have also sparked fresh fears that he might soon consider calling time on his career when he is needed by Masandawana and the national team.

The defending Premier Soccer League champions are known for their untamed appetite for good and quality players to continue challenging for top honours domestically and abroad. They have recently been linked to the Bafana Bafana centre-back, who has been growing from strength to strength since leaving the Glamour Boys.

There was drama during the Railmen’s last visit to South Africa to face Orlando Pirates, with their defender Dieumerci Mukoko earning himself suspension for his over-the-top antics. The Buccaneers fell right into their visitors' trap and drew CAF sanctions for spraying chemical substances near the opponents' dressing room. The drama became one of the talking points of that afternoon at Orlando Stadium. Sundowns are aware of that chaotic episode and their coach says they will be on high alert to avoid similar pitfalls.