As stinking-rich Mamelodi Sundowns become richer, implications for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates profound

The Star

4 hours ago

Herman Gibbs | Published 3 hours ago
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.