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IOL News
15 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
As stinking-rich Mamelodi Sundowns become richer, implications for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates profound
While Sundowns have been in the US, chairman Tlhopie Motsepe (with trophy) outlined ambitious plans to invest in local talent development and expand essential infrastructure. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Straight Talk Column by Herman Gibbs Mamelodi Sundowns will receive an impressive R174 million just for participating in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, as well as R36 million for each victory during the group stage. This substantial financial injection will enable Sundowns to easily maintain and enhance their stronghold in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), ensuring their ongoing dominance in domestic football. However, this development is rather ominous for the PSL's two glamour teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Both clubs boast a rich history and monumental fan-bases, often highlighted by the 'sold out' Soweto Derbies, where passion and rivalry ignite stadiums. Chiefs and Pirates have also enjoyed the thrill of several capacity crowds over the past two seasons. Until recently, Chiefs have not won a trophy in a decade, but they continue to attract lucrative sponsorships based on their pulling power, despite dwindling crowds. Yet, as Sundowns' dominance continues to grow, these storied franchises appear increasingly destined to remain in the shadows of their Chloorkop rivals. Sundowns' motto, 'The sky is the limit', reflects a commitment to transcend the traditional boundaries of sporting success. Their emblem – a hand poised with a finger pointing skyward – symbolises an aspiration that knows no limitations, whether rooted in historical performance or geographical challenges. The tragedy of the situation is that Chiefs and Pirates have shown no ambition to reclaim their lost glory, and will remain ensnared in the slipstream of Sundowns' relentless pursuit of excellence. There is no evidence that the 'Soweto Giants' will rise to challenge Masandawana or continue to watch from the shadows. While Sundowns have been in the United States, the club's chairman, Tlhopie Motsepe, outlined the Brazilians' ambitious plans to invest in local talent development and expand essential infrastructure. At the heart of this vision is the establishment of a world-class academy aimed at nurturing home-grown talent. Motsepe emphasised that the goal is to ensure the finest local players do not have to look overseas to join the ranks of prestigious European clubs. He spoke about an academy that stands toe-to-toe with Europe's elite institutions. He also highlighted the urgent need for robust infrastructure, notably the club's aspiration to build a stadium, noting the benefits of having a dedicated venue as a home ground. On the playing field, the Fifa Club World Cup will be a game-changer for the South African players wearing the famous Brazilian-inspired jerseys. They will face opponents with distinctive playing styles and strategies, propelling the team into uncharted territory. They will step onto the pitch against European powerhouse Borussia Dortmund and South American heavyweights Fluminense, and each match presents an invaluable opportunity for growth and development. Every match will serve as a test of skill and a rite of passage, transporting Sundowns from regional dominance to global contenders. With each opponent presenting a fresh challenge, the club has the chance to elevate its playing standards, an evolution that could define its legacy on the international stage. In their next two group matches, Sundowns will confront the blistering speed of Germany's Dortmund and the intricate ball control epitomised by Brazil's Fluminense.
The South African
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns axe defender for new South American star
Mamelodi Sundowns have made a bold move ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup by dropping Argentine defender Lucas Suarez from the squad, clearing the way for a new South American signing. Insiders have revealed that part of the reason behind Suarez's exclusion lies in the club's intent to free up a foreign spot in their squad. The Brazilians have turned their attention towards signing a striker, reigniting their focus on the South American market. 'What has been brought to our attention is that the Brazilians are searching for a striker and have gone back to that route.' Suarez arrived at Chloorkop on a six-month loan deal, which included an option to extend. Despite an encouraging start where he featured ahead of Malibongwe Khoza, his performance dipped, particularly in high-stakes CAF Champions League fixtures where his weaknesses were exposed. Although head coach Miguel Cardoso initially protected Suarez behind the scenes, mounting pressure forced him to reconsider. The Argentine's game time significantly dropped after a string of costly mistakes in domestic matches. Sources close to the club confirmed that a Sundowns official recently attended the TransferRoom summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Discussions reportedly focused on new foreign prospects, signalling the technical team's readiness to part ways with Suarez permanently. With no contractual obligation to sign him beyond the loan, Sundowns appear set to let the defender leave quietly, making space for a more impactful addition. Interestingly, the shake-up could stretch beyond Suarez. Adding to this, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of star striker Peter Shalulile, even though he travelled with the team to the United States for the Club World Cup. But talks seem positive recently. 'It would appear the club is now making plans to recruit a possible replacement.' Do Mamelodi Sundowns need a new striker? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns ready to reward star striker with new deal
Mamelodi Sundowns have entered negotiations with striker Peter Shalulile over a contract extension, aiming to retain the prolific forward in Tshwane for at least another season. The club looks set to follow a model previously used to extend the careers of veterans Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango. At 31, Shalulile remains one of the Brazilians' most influential players, even though his appearances under new head coach Miguel Cardoso have become more limited. The Namibian international still managed to bag 11 goals and provide two assists in 47 matches across all competitions during the 2024/2025 season, with many of those appearances coming off the bench. Sources close to the club have confirmed that contract discussions are underway. If all goes to plan, the striker could sign a short-term deal, much like the one Zwane penned earlier this year, which secures his future at Chloorkop until 2026. One goal away from club history Shalulile now stands on the brink of greatness. He is just one goal shy of becoming Mamelodi Sundowns' all-time top scorer, a feat that would cement his legacy at the club. This milestone strengthens his case for an extension and further highlights his continued value to the team. 'The club has shown a trend of rewarding loyalty and consistency, even with aging stars.' Denis Onyango, now 40, recently signed a one-year extension, signalling Sundowns' intent to keep experienced players who still contribute both on and off the pitch. Shalulile appears poised to follow in that tradition. Both Shalulile and the club are reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement before pre-season begins. A new deal would not only honour his past contributions but also offer him the platform to make history in Sundowns colours. Should Shalulile extend with Mamelodi Sundowns? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
New York Times
10-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Inside Mamelodi Sundowns: The journey to the Club World Cup
The Athletic spent four days with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns as the team prepared for the Club World Cup in the United States. You can read part one here, with a final dispatch from Pretoria and a special podcast to come. When Mamelodi Sundowns clinched their latest South African Premiership title in May with a 3-0 victory over Chippa United, the team's Portuguese head coach Miguel Cardoso was presented with a cigar in the dressing room. Though he is not a smoker, he marked the occasion by puffing away, as the players danced around him. Advertisement The celebrations continued into the early hours of the next morning. Cardoso could hear the players from his hotel room. Yet he also knew that bonuses were to be determined by the outcome of the final and looming league fixture with Magesi. This led to him calculating there would be no let-up in their focus or determination over the next few days — so he decided to give them a break. He wanted the players to have the space to reflect on their achievement. With veteran back-up goalkeeper Denis Onyango turning 40, it was the opportunity to unwind over a barbecue ahead of a busy few weeks at the end of a long season. During this downtime, Cardoso was never far away from work. After the team's yellow bus rolled into Chloorkop, Sundowns' training ground, upon returning from East London, his voice was hoarse but he fulfilled his commitment to an interview to The Athletic. Even though he wasn't scheduled to be at the facility the next day, he turned up anyway. His brother, visiting from Europe, was given a guided tour. In December 2024, Cardoso became the club's first foreign coach since the Dutchman Johan Neeskens in 2012. All of Sundowns' success since has been with South Africans but Cardoso was brought in to try and inspire the sort of defensive resolve that has been missing in recent years in the latter stages of the CAF Champions League. Danish sporting director Flemming Berg was also conscious of Sundowns' participation in the Club World Cup in the United States: they have long played exciting football but to have a chance of progressing through a group containing Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense and South Korean side Ulsan, they need to manage games better, accepting they will have less of the ball than they are used to. For Onyango, the club's longest-serving player, Cardoso's experience managing Esperance in Tunisia was just as vital as his European background. Since Sundowns last lifted the CAF Champions League in 2016, all of the winners have come from north Africa, where teams are not as expansive but tend to be quicker getting the ball forward. The dominance of the north Africans, according to Onyango, has naturally led to everyone else questioning what they are doing. Advertisement Though Cardoso might offer a stronger defence, he is also an emotional coach who prefers to get close to his players rather than drawing lines between them. He is not a part of the players' WhatsApp group but he messages each of them directly before and after games to check on how they are feeling, sometimes challenging them. Occasionally, he'll use his staff to dish out criticisms when he is not there, affording distance between himself and confrontation, protecting his own relationships. He likes that the squad can regulate itself and this allows him to bring reason to any subsequent conversations. Grant Kekana, a 32-year-old central defender, has welcomed Cardoso's fresh approach, as well as the way he communicates. In the dressing room, Kekana describes himself as the 'hype man', someone who gets his team-mates outside of their comfort zone. On the pitch, Cardoso expects him to be different, bringing calmness and organisation to his back four. 'The coach shows a lot of care towards you as an individual and that means you don't want to let him down,' Kekana says. For Cardoso, the biggest challenge was finding an edge with a group of players already used to winning, albeit one that had fallen short outside of South Africa. At the start of his time at the club, several matches were disrupted by red cards and Cardoso sensed there was something behind the indiscipline. It led to him calling a meeting at Chloorkop involving Berg and some of the board members. The mood remained aggressive as it drew to a close and Cardoso was worried the fall-out might tear the squad apart. He asked each of the players to use one word to describe what they wanted out of their team-mates and the season as a whole. He ended up writing the words down, asked the players to sign the document and put it in a plastic folder, which he carries everywhere. 'When I feel that something is not aligned, I remind them of what we agreed,' he says. Ahead of matches, Cardoso uses puzzles as motivational tools. Before the victory over Chippa United, he used a photograph of Max Verstappen's Red Bull car in the pit lane, and called it 'box work.' He would ask the players whether Formula One was an individual sport or a collective one, knowing it takes as many as 30 mechanics and technical staff to change four wheels in just a few seconds. Cardoso knows Sundowns have the most money in the league and he knows that the club has the best structure. 'But alone, and looking after only yourself, leads nowhere,' he insists. Before each training day at Chloorkop, the players gather in a circle and pray. Saturdays are led by the Muslims in the group and on this occasion, Namibian forward Peter 'The Pastor' Shalulile says a few words from the Koran. The squad then start the session with a passing drill where the coaches shout and clap constantly, inspiring energy to any weary limbs. There is virtually no downtime and the players bounce from one drill to the next before finishing with a routine that the head of performance Mathias Zangenberg calls, 'the tournament.' This involves two teams of seven competing against each other using full-sized goals on a pitch that is no bigger than a penalty box. Whoever scores the first goal stays on, while two other teams of seven encourage and tease from the sidelines. The format is basic but the players love it and Zangenberg thinks it helps stimulate competitiveness after a couple of days off. Advertisement The Dane was brought to the club in 2023 by Berg after spells in similar positions with Nordsjaelland and Aarhus. He works in the space between the technical staff and medical department, constantly analysing the present, medium-term and future condition of the players. In 2025, where there is barely any break between seasons because of the Club World Cup, his work is more important than ever. Zangeberg's focus is on 'load management', which serves as code for making sure the players are not run into the ground. He is constantly making checks, calling it a '360-degree assessment,' which roams all year long, with lots of information taken from GPS data. During the 2023-24 season, Zangenberg found out Sundowns players had on average travelled the equivalent of two and a half times around the equator. He thinks physical burnout is pretty straightforward to spot but mental burnout is more difficult. This means he does 'wellness scores' in person rather than asking players to fill in an app on their mobile phone. 'It's important to look people in the eye when you're asking these questions because in that communication, very often, things are revealed that wouldn't appear on a form,' he says. Zangenberg thinks he has all of the technology he needs to do his job properly but fundamentally, success in keeping players fit and sharp is down to his and the rest of the staff's ability to 'read the room' — especially this summer when the men's club season will go on for longer than ever. (All kick-offs ET/BST) Sundowns would lose the CAF Champions League final to Egyptian side Pyramids a few weeks after The Athletic visited South Africa but it was already decided that, following the second leg in Cairo, the squad would have at least four days off before flying to Florida for the Club World Cup. Much of the conversation about the toll on players has focused on the impact at European clubs. Though the appetite for the Club World Cup seems greater in South Africa because of the exposure it offers to a club from a country that tends to receive less media attention about football, Zangenberg speaks about the importance of 'detachment' from the treadmill of the calendar. The players need a break if they are to perform to their best and ultimately deliver the entertainment that many fans want to see. Advertisement In a very practical sense, Zangenberg had a role in deciding what equipment Sundowns would travel with. Players like their routines and are accustomed to a way of working and training. 'At this stage of the season, we don't want to take them out of a zone they are uncomfortable with.' This means rubber exercise bands are in the suitcase, along with spices to complement the food they eat. 'We just want to make everything as smooth as possible for the players,' Zangenberg insists. To some degree, the biggest challenge is deciding which individuals make the travelling party. That Saturday at Chloorkop, 30 players took part in the training session and four were injured. Sundowns' wealth affords them a massive squad. As a club, Sundowns employs nearly 350 staff, including administration. Not everyone wants to go and experience the Club World Cup but many do. But as far as Berg is concerned, Sundowns are not in the United States merely to make up the numbers. 'We will never go into a tournament without the ambition of going through the group stages,' he insists. 'We know it's going to be difficult… but we also know that we have a strong team and we also can put things together. When you're on the other side of the group stage, you never know what's going to happen.' (Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; Sayed Hassan / Getty, FIFA / Getty, Khaled Desouki / Getty)
The South African
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns: 10 stars heading out!
Mamelodi Sundowns are going to be offloading several players at the end of the season. Mamelodi Sundowns will be releasing a plethora of talent in the next transfer window. Let's take a look at all The Brazilians facing likely exits out of Chloorkop. A number of Sundowns stars contracts are set to expire at the end of the season. Moreover, many of these players have already attracted interest from PSL rivals as well as big sides abroad. Peter Shalulile Sphelele Mkhulise Zuko Mdunyelwa Neo Maema Kobamelo Kodisang Ntando Nkosi Terrence Mashego Thapelo Maseko Matias Esquivel Lucas Suarez Most notieably, prolific PSL goalscorer and legend Shalulile has is linked with a likely departure, according to SNL. Moreover, Mkhulise has attracted interest locally and abroad. Meanwhile, Mdunyelwa is likely to be loaned out in the up-and-coming transfer window. Kodisang is also likely to be loaned out. Also, Nkosi could be loaned out or signed depending on what the player and his agent decide as he seeks gametime elsewhere. Meanwhile, Maema's Chloorkop future is under review with the Bafana Bafana stars contract set to expire soon. Furthermore, Kaizer Chiefs are closely monitoring Maema's situation at Sundowns. Similiarly, Mashego and Maseko are both linked with moves to Amakhosi. Meanwhile, Esquival is linked with a return to South America. Finally, Sundowns have not made a decision on Suarez, who is currently out on loan. Additionally, another five loaned stars are unlikely to return to Sundowns next season. 'This lists excludes players who were out on loan this season. The likes of Sipho Mbule, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ricardo Goss, Sifiso Ngobeni and Luvuyo Phewa are not expected to be part of the team next season,' the report read on SNL. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
