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IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns close to completing another national monologue against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg but Sebelebele rescues the day
Jayden Adams of Mamelodi Sundowns challenges Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates as teammate Dion Hotto takes over. | BackpagePix ORLANDO PIRATES (0)(1) Sebelebele 86 MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (1)(0) Mokoena 36' THIS was meant to be a national dialogue — two of the best sides in the land exchanging ideas on how they plan to reign supreme — but it almost turned out to be a monologue. Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning kings of South African football, were close to once again making a mockery of their rivals Orlando Pirates, until they conceded late. Sundowns drew 1-1 with Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but they showed exactly why they've been the dominant force. The Brazilians produced a solid and controlled performance that signaled their intent to dominate this season — despite the challenges of losing key players. This result also mounted further pressure on Pirates' new commander-in-chief, Abdeslam Ouaddou, who came into the match on the back of consecutive defeats in the Betway Premiership. Ouaddou's critics had argued that he was too quick to chop and change his side, favouring new signings instead of building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro. And in perhaps trying to respond to calls for the return of experienced players, Ouaddou handed starts to Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha for the first time this season. The duo had mixed outings — with van Rooyen sluggish and guilty of losing possession cheaply, while Mbatha did his best to dictate play in the engine room. Despite MTN being the title sponsor, this was a game of national importance, sparking conversation about the state of South African football. Fittingly, it was staged at a national institution — Orlando Stadium, the so-called 'Mecca of South African football.' Its importance was evident even among those absent, such as Kaizer Chiefs' analysts, who certainly weren't missing out on the occasion. While the bums on seats included Pirates' Ghost, Sundowns' Masandawana, hate-watchers, and neutrals, the responsibility still rested on the 22 players on the pitch. And they did not disappoint. Sundowns, the ruling party of South African football for the last eight seasons, defied hostile territory and dictated play from the outset. They dominated proceedings early, probing for a breakthrough, and forcing Pirates' defence to stay alert and resolute. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the young leader of Pirates' midfield, showed his composure against seasoned opponents, rarely buckling under pressure and winning key duels. But while the Pirates youngster thrived, his coach on the touchline cut a less convincing figure — his dress code and demeanour raising questions about his credentials. Clad in a puffer jacket and baggy pants, Ouaddou stood robotically at the touchline, only once energising the Ghost when he neatly chest-trapped the ball in the first half. In contrast, his counterpart Miguel Cardoso was smartly dressed in slim-fit pants, a fitted jacket, and crisp white sneakers, exuding confidence. And while Cardoso had bullied his rivals to claim the Coach of the Season award in his debut campaign, he is well aware of his team's struggles against Pirates in cup competitions. Still, Cardoso was unfazed — insisting he wanted to carve his own path and set new milestones. His plans took an early blow when he lost captain Themba Zwane to injury, but Sundowns' depth came to the fore. Jayden Adams entered the fray and immediately nullified the threat of Mbatha in midfield, bringing order and discipline to Sundowns' structure. Their resilience paid off when Teboho Mokoena powered home a header from a Marcello Allende corner. Masandawana supporters behind Sipho Chaine's goal erupted in euphoria, while the Ghost — who made up nearly three-quarters of the crowd — fell silent. The setback, however, seemed to awaken Pirates. The players returned from the break with renewed energy, even as Ouaddou cut a subdued, pressured figure on the sidelines. Pirates huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser. Evidence Makgopa's header rattled the crossbar from a corner before they finally struck gold. Kamogelo Sebelebe slotted home in stoppage time — just as Sundowns were beginning to taste yet another commanding victory over their closest rivals. The tie now heads into Saturday's decider with two clear approaches: Sundowns will aim to start on the front foot, while Pirates will hope to begin as strongly as they finished here.
IOL News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
A quiet transfer window could actually see Mamelodi Sundowns thrive in Africa
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso must aim for some continuity following some good performances at the recently completed FIFA Club World Cup. Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns did what they were supposed to do at the FIFA Club World Cup - they showcased the club's ability on the world stage and won the hearts of the masses. Sundowns opened their Group H campaign with a win over Ulsan HD. That was no surprise given their pedigree and the strength of the team compared to the Koreans. But it was against German giants Borussia Dortmund when they announced themselves to the world, as they put up a fearless and charismatic performance despite the 4-3 defeat. Sundowns were so good in that game that many pundits and fans were rooting for them to beat Fluminense in their final group match and qualify for the last 16. But it wasn't to be, as the match ended in a draw, resulting in the Chloorkop-based side finishing third in their group and crashing out of the tournament. 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 ✕ Ad loading Sure, it is often said 'no one remembers the losers', but Sundowns have defied that tag as many will be rooting for them if they qualify for the 2029 edition. That tournament will be in four years' time, but the time to build for the club is now - they need to invest in the club's youth and polish the 'Shoeshine and Piano' flair that saw them win over new fans. The club has the likes of Jayden Adams (24), Malibongwe Khoza (21), Kutlwano Letlhaku (19) and Ndumiso Mabena (18) who should be able to drive vision 2029. But these youngsters cannot be thrown in the deep end now - they still need the guidance of seniors such as Teboho Mokoena (28) and Khuliso Mudau (30). And so, as the transfer window slowly heats up this month, the club must be wary of buying unnecessary players and should instead focus on a succession plan. Yes, challenging for top honours such as the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League requires the team to have the best players at their disposal. And boy, Sundowns, thanks to their deep pockets, have the best players money can buy. But there's no need for the club to strengthen the squad for the sake of killing local competition, instead they must buy what they need in their bids for the league and African crown. Investing more in getting the best out of the current crop of players would also strengthen the competition, especially for continental football. Winning the league has been like taking candy from a baby from Sundowns, with the team having won the last eight titles in a row due to poor competition at home. Strong competition would aid their bid to do well in African football, as the wheels tend to come off in the latter stages as it did in the Champions League final last season.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns eye redemption in Cairo after late slip in CAF Champions League final first leg
Mothobi Mvala has urges Mamelodi Sundowns to stay focused and 'defend with the ball' ahead of their decisive CAF Champions League final second leg against Pyramids in Cairo. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix After finally breaking their CAF Champions League semi-final curse, Mamelodi Sundowns must overcome a defensive obstacle in order to boost their silverware chances. Sundowns are in the continental showpiece final for the first time since winning the crown in 2016, having exited in the semi-finals in the past two seasons. However, they did not start the first leg of the two-legged final on a positive note, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow finalists Pyramids at home, Loftus Versfeld, last Saturday. Sundowns allowed Pyramids to sneak in the equaliser deep in stoppage time, giving the Egyptian side a crucial away goal advantage heading into the second leg in Cairo on Sunday night (7pm kick-off). 𝑹𝑶𝑨𝑫 𝑻𝑶 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳 𝑶𝑭 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳𝑺 🌍🏆 As the team prepares for the biggest test yet, Jayden Adams, club legend Tiyani Mabunda, and supporter Lindiwe Mashele carry the heart and hope of Masandawana into the second leg. 🙌 The journey continues, Watch Episode 6… — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 27, 2025 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Despite being the best team domestically — with eight successive Premiership titles — and one of the most consistent on the continent, lapses in concentration have plagued Sundowns' cup campaigns. The Brazilians have often conceded late, costly goals that have derailed their ambitions. They have suffered similar setbacks in Africa, including Mothobi Mvala's own goal in the dying moments of last year's semi-final second leg against Wydad Casablanca. With the need to score and avoid conceding in Cairo, Mvala has spoken openly about what must change for the team to progress. Final session before we jet off to Cairo. All focused on the mission ahead. 😤#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 27, 2025 'Conceding in the last minutes of the game hurts a lot — especially when you look at the last few big tournaments,' Mvala said. 'In knockout games, that's when we actually lose concentration. The same thing happened against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final, Magesi in the Carling Knockout final, and Wydad. 'The only thing we need to do now is defend with the ball. Keep possession and not allow them to regain it or deliver crosses into the box. If you recall, in all our games towards the end, we always concede from crosses, and that's something we're aware of and trying our best to stop.' Mvala has not featured as much as he would have liked in the Champions League knockout stage due to a lengthy injury layoff. However, having regained full fitness, he is ready to contribute when needed — especially with a clean sheet being pivotal in the second leg. Mothobi Mvala after the victory in Egypt 🇪🇬 — K.L.16 (@LangaKhulekani) April 27, 2025 'Definitely, I am still part of the team. For me, it's about supporting the guys who are playing, because they've been doing well,' Mvala said. 'Grant (Kekana) has been doing well — I think he has played in almost all the games. Mosa (Lebusa) and Mali (Khozai) came in and have also done well. 'So, it becomes very difficult for the coach to take them out and put me in. I am happy with the way the coach has managed me. 'Hopefully, I'll get my chance, but the guys have been doing well. I just have to wait for my opportunity.' Sundowns have enjoyed productive trips to Cairo in recent years — including a 1-1 draw with Al Ahly in the semi-final second leg that booked their spot in the final. 'We've been lucky in Egypt, so hopefully that luck will be with us again against Pyramids,' Mvala said. 'Playing against them in Egypt is always going to be tough. The nice thing is that we've played them before. Hopefully, lady luck will smile on us again.'
The South African
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Adams helped by five Sundowns players
Jayden Adams lifted his league title with Mamelodi Sundowns, just five months after joining from Stellenbosch FC. In what was the club's record eighth league title in a row, the 24-year-old Sundowns midfielder featured in 17 matches, contributing three goals and two assists. According to Adams, his Sundowns teammates made a telling difference in his transition from Stellenbosch FC to the African giants. 'There are a lot of players that helped me on and off the field like Ronwen [Williams], Iqraam [Rayners], Mshishi [Themba Zwane], Grant [Kekana] and [Teboho] Mokoena,' Adams said via Sowetan . 'I played with some of them at Bafana, and they helped me a lot. At Stellenbosch, I think the Confederation Cup also helped me to show my talent in Africa. 'It's a nice feeling for me to have achieved this only five months after coming here. It's a nice achievement and there are many more to come. 'This one goes to my family, friends and everyone back in Cape Town. To come here [Sundowns] is not easy because there are a lot of good players, and I just gave my best,' Adams concluded. 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 Citizen
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Adams reacts to winning first league title with Sundowns
'It's a nice feeling for me to only achieve this in nearly just 6 months after coming here,' Adams said. Kegan Johannes, Jayden Adams, Tashreeq Matthews, Keanu Cuipdo and Jody February of Mamelodi Sundowns during their Betway Premiership title celebrations at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 18 May 2025 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix Jayden Adams has expressed his delight after securing his first league title since making a high-profile switch from Stellenbosch FC to Mamelodi Sundowns in the January transfer window. The 24-year-old midfielder has made an immediate impact at the Chloorkop-based club, featuring in 17 Betway Premiership matches since his arrival. ALSO READ: Amajita down Morocco to clinch first ever AFCON title Adams has also contributed three league goals and played a key role in helping the Brazilians clinch a record-extending eighth consecutive league championship. 'It's a nice feeling for me to only achieve this in nearly just 6 months after coming here,' Adams said. 'This one goes to my family, friends and everyone back in Cape Town. It's a nice achievement for me and there's many more to come. To come here is not easy because there are a lot of good players here and I just came here and gave it my best. 'There are a lot of players that help me on and off the field like Ronwen (Williams) and Iqraam (Rayners) Mshishi (Themba Zwane), Grant (Kekana) and (Teboho) Mokoena.' The Bafana Bafana international was part of the national squad that earned a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire last year. He believes that experience, along with Stellenbosch's campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup, helped prepare him to thrive at Sundowns. 'This helped me a lot because I played with a lot of players at Bafana and they helped me a lot. At Stellenbosch FC, I think the Confederation Cup helped me a lot to show my talent in Africa,' he added. 'It's a tough one for us playing every single week like three games in a row but preparation and recovery is important for us. We've won the league and now we can focus on the CAF Champions League final.' ALSO READ: Sundowns' Themba Zwane calls for focus ahead of CAF final The Tshwane giants will engage in a two-legged final against Pyramids FC of Egypt in the next two weeks to determine the 2024-25 CAF Champion League champions.
