Mamelodi Sundowns’ Empire Faces New Test Amid Orlando Pirates’ Cup Surge
For nearly ten years, Mamelodi Sundowns have stood as the immovable force of South African football. Eight consecutive Betway Premiership titles testify to their unmatched consistency, financial investment, and tactical excellence. In the league marathon, no one has come close to dislodging the Tshwane giants.
But cracks are beginning to appear. While their supremacy in the Premiership remains intact, knockout football tells a different story. Sundowns have not lifted a domestic cup since 2022, exposing vulnerabilities that rivals are now beginning to exploit.
Mokwena’s Warning Rings True
Former coach Rhulani Mokwena, who left Chloorkop in 2024, once cautioned:
“Empires don’t collapse, they dilapidate bit by bit. We start taking small things for granted… we think we are entitled to winning. That is the start of the demise of major football clubs.”
Those words now feel prophetic. Sundowns’ most recent setback came in the MTN8, where Orlando Pirates once again outmanoeuvred them. The hunger that once defined Sundowns in one-off matches appears dulled, even as they continue to sweep aside opponents over a 30-game season.
Pirates Closing the Gap
The contrast with Orlando Pirates is striking. The Buccaneers have collected five trophies in the last four years, showing a knack for delivering on the day. Cup competitions, often the truest test of a club’s winning culture, are where Pirates thrive while Sundowns falter.
Where Sundowns once carried an aura of inevitability, Pirates now stand as equals in decisive moments. Their squad depth and ability to seize opportunities have shifted the perception of South African football’s balance of power.
Off-Field Uncertainty
Adding to the unease are contractual disputes involving two key players: Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau.
- Lucas Ribeiro has been central to Sundowns’ attack, providing goals and creativity that few in the squad replicate.
- Khuliso Mudau remains one of the PSL’s most reliable defenders, offering consistency at right-back.
The potential loss of either player would damage the team on the pitch and symbolically signal that the once unshakable empire is vulnerable.
The Danger of Slow Decline
Sundowns’ dominance in the Premiership can mask underlying cracks. Yet football empires are not remembered for league titles alone. They are judged by their ability to win everything, from long campaigns to knockout battles.
If Pirates continue to add cups while Sundowns fall short, history may frame this period not as their peak but as the beginning of a slow unravel. The empire has not fallen, but its foundations are no longer as untouchable as before.
Check also: Cardoso Blames Fatigue After Mamelodi Sundowns’ MTN8 Semi-Final Exit
Mamelodi Sundowns remain kings of consistency, but cup success is slipping from their grasp. Rivals smell blood, and Pirates, in particular, are poised to take advantage.
Do you believe Sundowns are still South Africa’s undisputed powerhouse, or are we witnessing the start of their slow decline? Share your thoughts below.
