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IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns seek redemption at home against AmaZulu FC
Arthur Sales celebrates scoring for Mamelodi Sundowns against Chippa United in their Premiership opener. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Chippa United in their opening match of the new Betway Premiership season, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns are determined to secure their first home victory. Sundowns host AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday in their second Premiership match of the campaign. At the weekend in Gqeberha, Sundowns let a lead slip in their season opener and were forced to settle for a share of the spoils. However, as head coach Miguel Cardoso noted, there is much to rectify from that performance. 'We have to fight for the next one (AmaZulu), see the mistakes and try to build the team,' Cardoso said, reflecting on the need for growth and adaptation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Meanwhile, AmaZulu will arrive looking to extend their positive momentum after a solid 1-0 victory over Orbit College on Saturday. They will be keen to exploit any uncertainty surrounding Sundowns and are fortified by a four-match unbeaten run in the Premiership. Cardoso's tactical acumen will be tested with player availability concerns. Thapelo Morena remains sidelined due to injury, while doubts linger over Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau amid transfer speculation. The Sundowns boss, however, has reassured fans that despite a demanding schedule — which includes a crucial MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates this weekend — the squad is ready to meet the challenge. AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane has a clear understanding of the gravity of the encounter. 'We can't think because they drew their first game that perhaps it's going to be an easier game,' Zwane cautioned, recognising Sundowns' reputation for individual brilliance. With players like Ribeiro and Peter Shalulile capable of decisive moments, AmaZulu's task will be to contain Sundowns' threats while capitalising on their own emerging talents. Among those to watch for the hosts is Arthur Sales, whose stock is rapidly rising after an assist and goal against Chippa. On the flipside, AmaZulu's fast-rising star Tebogo Mashigo has been making headlines after impressive performances this season, including a goal against Stellenbosch and a key assist in their latest victory.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Sundowns come unstuck against stubborn Chippa United
This was not the statement performance that Mamelodi Sundowns wanted but a glimpse into the brave new world for Chippa United. Given the way they won the championship title last season and performed at the Fifa Club World Cup, Sundowns fans expected a powerful start but they came unstuck against an organised United who simply refused to be rolled over. They settle for a 1-1 draw after Khaya Mfecane cancelled out Arthur Sales early goal in this exciting Betway Premiership match that was played in front of a lively crowd at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday. The major takeout for Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is that he must find the solution at rightback with Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena not available for a variety of reasons. It also remains to be seen if the continued unavailability of attackers Lucas Ribeiro, who was not in the matchday squad, and Peter Shalulile, who was an unused substitute, is going to affect them. The pass from Matthews, the finish from Sales 😮💨🔥 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 9, 2025 For United coach Sinethemba Badela, he gave a glimpse into the future as they played enterprising football and did not show respect to the much-fancied Brazilians. For most parts of this match, Sundowns dominated in all facets but the most important thing is they started the campaign with a point against the defending champions. What lies ahead for United is consistency and playing well against the so-called small teams and that is going to be tested on Tuesday when they visit newly-promoted Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban. Sundowns returns to action on the same day against AmaZulu at Loftus where they will be looking for their first win of the season as they continue with what is going to be a busy month. Cardoso made three changes to the team that convincingly beat Richards Bay during the quarterfinal stage of MTN8 last weekend with Mosa Lebusa ahead of Keanu Cupido and Fawaaz Basadien for Zuko Mdunyelwa. In the midfield, Jayden Adams replaced captain Themba Zwane. With these changes, Basadien made his first start for the Brazilians since he joined from Stellenbosch FC and Shalulile, who is rumoured to be on his way out of the club started on the bench. Still missing for Sundowns are defender Mudau and reigning Footballer and Player's Player of the season Ribeiro who are also believed to be heading for the exit door. On the other hand, Badela, who is one of the youngest coaches in the league, showed his hand in his first match for the club as he went with a good balance of youth and experience. For experience, he went with Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Ayabulela Konqobe, Sirgio Kammies and in the midfield he opted for Goodman Mosele, Sammy Seabi and Mfecane. United did not miss Sinoxolo Kwayiba who has joined Orlando Pirates and they will be boosted by the availability of Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko who awaits his work permit. The Chilli Boys turn the heat up against the champions 😤🌶️ 📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 9, 2025 Badela will be excited by the performances of debutants Mfecane, who was named the match-of-the-match, and 19-year-old Asanele Bonani who did not look out of place, who proved to be a handful for Grant Kekana Lebusa and Aubrey Modiba. Sundowns opened the lead just after the half hour mark when Arthur Sales put the ball past Nwabali with the outside of the boot after he received the ball from Tashreeq Matthews. The goal sparked urgency in the work of the hosts and they nearly drew level after 36 minutes when they caught Sundowns on the counter-attack with Xolani Sithole releasing Bonani who ballooned the ball over crossbar. Chippa equalised after the hour mark when Mfecane benefited from a ball that deflected from Matthews before he unleashed a shot that beat Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Sales highlights key threats ahead of Fluminense clash
'Both teams play possession football. That's what will make it a good game,' he said. Arthur Sales of Mamelodi Sundowns arrival during the CAF Champions League 2024/25 2nd Leg Final match between Pyramids and Mamelodi Sundowns at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 1 June 2025 ©Ayman Aref/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales is optimistic ahead of the clash against Fluminense in their final FIFA Club World Cup group stage match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Sundowns need all the points With qualification for the Round of 16 on the line, Sundowns must secure all three points, while a draw would be enough for Fluminense to advance. ALSO READ: Pirates sign Chiefs-linked Mbule The Brazilian outfit currently top Group F with four points after a goalless draw with Borussia Dortmund and a 4-2 win over Ulsan HD. Speaking ahead of the highly-anticipated fixture, Sales expressed his excitement at facing a club from his homeland, praising both teams' similar footballing identities. 'Playing against Fluminense will be a good and nice game because both teams identify like Brazilians, and both teams play possession football. That's what will make it a good game,' he said. 'This is the highest level possible and a big challenge, but when you arrive here and play these games, you can see that Mamelodi Sundowns are at a good level for this competition and this is a big tournament.' The 22-year-old forward, who joined Sundowns earlier this season, pointed to Fluminense's experienced centre-back Thiago Silva, Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias, and emerging midfield talent Matheus Martinelli as players who could prove decisive. Silva, a legendary figure in Brazilian football, has featured for European powerhouses including AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. Arias impressed with a goal and an assist against Ulsan, while Martinelli has been solid in the middle of the park for Fluminense. 'Everyone is a good player' 'Everyone is a good player there because they are at a high level to represent Fluminense at the World Cup. Jhon Arias and Thiago Silva are good players, and also in midfield there's Matheus Martinelli. I like him and I think he needs more attention from the guys,' Sales added. ALSO READ: Modise calls for Sundowns tweaks ahead of Fluminense clash 'I've watched many games in my free time, and there's a big difference when you compare South American teams with Europeans. But you also see similarities in competitiveness and quality.'
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Sales: Special loading against 'Big Flu' for Mamelodi Sundowns in Club World Cup
Mamelodi Sundowns' Iqraam Rayners and teammate Arthur Sales celebrate scoring against Ulsan HD during the Fifa Club World Cup this past week. Photo: AFP Image: AFP It's win or bust for Mamelodi Sundowns at the Fifa Club World Cup this afternoon as the South African champions look to make it into the knockout stage of the 32-team global showpiece. Sundowns face off against Brazilian outfit Fluminense in the final match of Group F, knowing that victory is the only way for them to finish in the top two and qualify for the round of 16. Currently third in the group with three points following their victory in the opener against Ulsan, Miguel Cardoso's team will be on six points should they win Wednesday That will be enough to see them knock the team from Brazil out of the competition. Fluminense, however, will progress with just a draw, which would take them to five points. But what if the unthinkable happens in the other match and Ulsan beat Borussia Dortmund, while Sundowns draw with Fluminense – aka the Big Flu? The South Africans and the Germans would then finish on four points each, and a one-goal defeat for Dortmund would leave both teams with a goal difference of zero. Sundowns would then lose out on head-to-head rules, courtesy of the 4-3 defeat they suffered on Saturday. Experienced as he is, Cardoso is surely not considering any other permutations and will have his team go in with the sole purpose of simply beating Fluminense. It is an achievable feat, even if the Brazilian outfit start as favourites. For starters, Sundowns will be full of confidence after their admirable showing against Dortmund. They staged a spirited comeback that ensured the scoreline remained respectable. Looking dead and buried at half-time as they trailed 3-1, and then going 4-1 down by the hour mark, the perennial South African champions did something local clubs are not renowned for. Ordinarily, a South African team would drop their heads and accept defeat, seeing out the match without much fight. Not so with this group — they dug deep and gave Dortmund a scare, scoring two late goals and forcing a nervy finish as they searched for an equaliser that never came. Attacker Arthur Sales says the squad are walking tall after that match and feel more empowered for the future. 'Everyone is very proud," said Sales on Tuesday. "I think we learnt many things because when you play these big teams, you learn about different things. And we will put the new lessons to use for this next game against Fluminense.' What should also count in their favour is that Fluminense are unlikely to play the high-press game that Dortmund used to force Sundowns into errors. Like Sundowns, the Brazilians enjoy building from the back and playing with flair. It makes for an exciting match, Sales expained. 'We have good things for playing against them, and I think it is going to be a nice game because both teams like to play with possession. I think it will be a good game.' 'I think everyone in the Fluminense team is a good player because they are at a good level to play for Fluminense in the World Cup,' he added, before singling out midfielder Martinelli as a potential danger to Sundowns. 'We need to give more attention to these guys.'
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
What will a CAF Champions League victory for Mamelodi Sundowns do for SA football?
LONG TERM EFFECT Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF Champions League victory could cement their status as Africa's top club, boost South African football's prestige, and secure lucrative rewards, and would go a long way to ensuring their domination of the local landscape will continue unabated. Seen here: Mamelodi Sundowns' Arthur Sales celebrates. Picture: BackpagePix It was their last game of the league season, and they had already clinched the title last week. In fact, they could probably have secured the trophy a fair bit sooner if second-placed Orlando Pirates had not had three games in hand. On Sunday, Sundowns were officially awarded their Betway Premiership title after their 2-0 win over Magesi at Loftus Versfeld Stadium , in Pretoria. Mamelodi Sundowns are the best team in South Africa by some distance, and winning their eighth league title in a row is testament to this. Mamelodi Sundowns Set Sights on CAF Champions League Glory and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Now, Sundowns will turn their attention to the CAF Champions League as they take on Pyramids over two legs in the final of the competition. The first leg will be at Loftus on Saturday, with the return fixture a week later at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. Should Sundowns win the final, there will be no dispute that they are the best team in Africa. It would go well with their other title, as the richest club on the continent. Sundowns will also be in action in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup next month. Not that they were struggling for cash, but Mamelodi Sundowns will earn a handy R174 million simply for playing in the competition. It seems then, the domination of Sundowns is set to continue at least for a few more years while teams like Pirates have to be content with the cup competitions on offer. Ultimately, having one team dominate like Sundowns have - it's debatable whether that's actually a good thing but the fact that Bafana Bafana are the strongest they have been in decades surely can't be just a coincidence. @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport * The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media. ** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@ Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).
