Latest news with #MAMELODISundowns
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns' talisman Lucas Ribeiro ecstatic with the season of triumphs, and teamwork
MAMELODI Sundowns talisman Lucas Ribeiro looking up to launch another spectacular season at Chloorkop. | MS/Facebook Ribeiro had his best season in the famous yellow and green jersey of Sundowns last campaign, scoring 21 and registering 14 assists in 51 games. Lucas Ribeiro is on cloud nine after winning big at the 2024/25 season PSL awards, and he's grateful for the support his teammates and coaches gave him. The Brazilian also starred at the Club World Cup in the US, scoring the Goal of the Tournament for his strike against German giants Borussia Dortmund in the group stage. And for his domestic efforts, he bagged the league's coveted Footballer of the Season, Player's Player of the Season, Goal of the Season and Top Goal Scorer of the Season awards. 'It was a very good season, and the team played very well,' Ribeiro told the Brazilians' media team after the award ceremony on Tuesday night. 'There was fatigue this season because we played so many games, but I am happy with individual trophies. 'I didn't play alone though. My teammates helped me a lot, and gave me support. So, thank you to them and the coach (Miguel Cardoso) - the guy helped me to elevate my level as a player.' Being crowned the Footballer of the Season - an award that's voted for by the 16 coaches in the league - is one of the greatest recognition a player can get. But, Ribeiro didn't want to single out his favourite trophy, saying: 'I like every trophy because they are all important to me. It was a crazy season for me, so all four mean a lot.' Ribeiro and Co are set to be in for another 'crazy season" as expectations have mounted on them to improve after their impressive display at the World Cup last month. As such, after coming back for pre-season, they started with their preparations at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium as their base, Chloorkop, is undergoing renovations. From thereon, they camped in Rustenburg before returning to Atteridgeville to finetune their preparations for the MTN8 quarter-final against Richards at the same venue on Sunday. 'Training was good,' said Ribeiro. 'I am happy with training, and I am back at training to help my team. I worked well with the players and the coaches.'
IOL News
31-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Maema embracing Bafana Bafana challenge ahead of CHAN return
MAMELODI Sundowns Neo Maema set to lead Bafana Bafana in Chan. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema is hoping the African Nations Championship (CHAN) will offer Bafana Bafana a chance to break new ground after more than a decade of absence from the continental tournament. Maema, who captained South Africa during a number of crucial CHAN qualifiers earlier this year, is expected to retain a central role in the squad for the tournament finals. Notably, he remains one of the few players in the current team still under contract with a Premier Soccer League club. The midfielder's standout displays during the CHAN qualifiers helped him win back the confidence of Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, whose midfield options are among the strongest in the league. His timely return to form saw him earn more minutes at club level. Despite being linked with a move away from Chloorkop in recent weeks, no deal has been finalised, and Maema now appears set to use the CHAN platform to ensure a smooth transition back into the rhythm of competitive football. 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 Speaking after Bafana's 1–1 draw with Angola at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday, the 29-year-old midfielder expressed his pride in representing his country and looked ahead with optimism. 'It is an opportunity and an honor to represent the country,' Maema said. 'It's a proud moment and a massive achievement for us to get to this position, and it's a tournament we haven't participated on in such a long time, and the only thing that will matter is us making sure we put the national team in a good position to be ready for the tournament. 'This will be a huge one because it has been 12 years since we last represented the country at such a competition and we should be excited as a group of players. 'As an individual I am happy to lead the team in such a big competition, we are honored and privileged to be in this position.' Maema will be joined in the squad by teammates Malibongwe Khoza and Terrence Mashego, and believes that their shared club experience could provide the team with an added advantage in terms of chemistry and understanding. 'It does help,' Maema continued. 'The only thing I can say about the players that are familiar to me is that, they have the winning mentality to help the other guys, but we are professionals and we know what to do and we know what is at stake. 'It's just about helping the technical team so that they can also help us to form a team that will be able to compete at such a big tournament.' Given the timing of the tournament—immediately following the pre-season window—many players in the CHAN squad arrived without clubs, meaning they may lack full fitness. Maema believes that unity and collective effort will be vital in building momentum before the first game. 'We just need a bit of time, we have a week left before we start our first game,' he continued. 'We will just go back to the drawing board, today we played a draw, we will help each other. Most of us we are not match fit, we can just help each other to train and push each other to make sure that in every department we (are ready to) help each other. 'It is very difficult not to have a pre-season and go into a tournament that is going to demand so much from us, we should just maintain spirits of brotherhood and ensure we are together in this.'
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns undergo preseason with Cardoso with a second star mandate
MAMELODI Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso will get to undergo preseason with the side. | tumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Mamelodi Sundowns return to pre-season on Monday, and while many clubs will still be figuring out their squads and systems, the reigning champions begin 2025/26 with a familiar goal — total dominance. Miguel Cardoso, who arrived before the halfway mark of last season, is not a new face at Chloorkop. He's had time to assess his squad, understand the terrain, and even stamp some of his ideas. Now, there's no excuse. This is his team — and the demands are crystal clear. Sundowns are gunning for an unprecedented ninth successive Betway Premiership title. But that's not the real story anymore. Their domestic supremacy has long been established. The question that lingers is whether this side, under Cardoso, can finally conquer the continent again. 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 ✕ The Champions League Weight Sundowns have dominated South African football with style, structure and financial might. Yet, for all their resources and brilliance, their record in the CAF Champions League remains underwhelming since their lone triumph in 2016. In recent seasons, they've faltered in the knockout stages, outwitted by tactically astute and street-smart opponents — often from North Africa. Cardoso was brought in to change that narrative. His European pedigree and tactical sharpness are exactly what the hierarchy at Chloorkop believe will bridge the gap between potential and podium. The club's premature exit from last season's CAF campaign — under his watch — means he starts this season with unfinished business. He knows it too. Squad Depth, Youth and Responsibility Sundowns boast the deepest squad in the league. The likes of Peter Shalulile, Teboho Mokoena, and Ronwen Williams offer experience, while younger stars such as Malibongwe Khoza are expected to shoulder more responsibility. Jayden Adams, signed from Stellenbosch FC, brings dynamism and versatility to midfield and could become key in tough away games on the continent. Cardoso has the luxury of options, but he'll need to manage them better — particularly in high-intensity CAF games where fatigue, travel, and unpredictable conditions can derail even the most prepared teams. Images we will never get tired of! 🤩🏆 Who else can't wait to see the #Champ15ns back in action soon? 👀🔜#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #TBT — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 17, 2025 No Place for Complacency Domestically, Sundowns are still ahead of the chasing pack — but only just. Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC both asked serious questions last season, and with more consistency, either side could push Masandawana harder this term. Still, the real test lies beyond the borders. For years now, Sundowns have approached the league almost as a warm-up to the Champions League — often rotating heavily or taking their foot off the pedal. That habit must change. Winning must become a habit, not a seasonal strategy. The Mental Battle Ultimately, Sundowns' biggest challenge is psychological. They've folded under pressure in some of their biggest CAF games. Cardoso's job is not just to instruct, but to instil belief. Sundowns do not lack talent. They lack Champions League conviction. Cardoso's task is to shift the club's mindset from perennial contenders to ruthless conquerors.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Sundowns claim historic Club World Cup win over Ulsan
MAMELODI Sundowns got off to a winning start at the Club World Cup with a 1-0 victory over South Korean side Ulsan HD on Tuesday in a match delayed by a weather warning and played before largely empty stands. The South African side went top of Group F in front of a crowd given as 3,412 after Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense drew 0-0 earlier. A weather warning pushed back kick-off by just over an hour for one of the less enticing group clashes in the expanded FIFA tournament, which has so far not succeeded in filling grounds for every match. However, those who were in attendance were party to an engaging battle. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso's Mamelodi have won the South African top flight for eight consecutive seasons but finished as runners-up in the CAF Champions League final earlier in June. They claimed victory through Iqraam Rayners' first-half goal. 'I think the first half was very beautiful, a lot of control... we didn't get the second goal and the pressure comes,' said Cardoso. 'But I think my players made a wonderful job, we are very proud, (it was) the first victory of an African team in the tournament.' Cardoso handed Themba Zwane his first start since September after injury, against Ulsan, who qualified through AFC confederation rankings. Nicknamed 'The Brazilians' because of their bright yellow shirts, akin to those of the five-time World Cup winners, Sundowns players showed some flair on the ball in the opening stages. However it was Ulsan who should have taken the lead, when their Brazilian striker Erick Farias fired a fine chance just over the angle of post and bar. Mamelodi thought they had taken the lead after the half-hour mark when Rayners bundled home from a corner, but the ball went in off his arm and it was disallowed. However the South Africa international was not to be denied and he stroked his team in front after Lucas Ribeiro set him up. Rayners had another goal disallowed for offside before the break as he picked away at the Ulsan defence. Teboho Mokoena almost doubled Mamelodi's lead with a dipping free-kick but Jo Hyeon-woo tipped his effort to safety. The South Koreans made inroads in the second half and forced Mamelodi back into their own territory in search of an equaliser. Tashreeq Matthews broke loose on the counter for Mamelodi and drilled a good opportunity over the bar, but his team were still able to become the first African side to win a game at the tournament. It was also their first victory in any version of the Club World Cup, after they lost both their matches in their only prior appearance, in 2016.
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Isaac Shai believes Mamelodi Sundowns can rise from CAF Champions League disappointment
MAMELODI Sundowns stars Ronwen Williams and Iqraam Rayners will have to play their part for the Brazilians in the Club World Cup. | Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers FORMER MAMELODI SUNDOWNS wingback Isaac Shai believes the Brazilians would have long put the disappointment of losing the CAF Champions League final behind them when they open their FIFA Club World Cup account against South Korea's Ulsan midnight on Tuesday. The South African champions are one of four clubs from Africa participating in the inaugural 32-team global soccer showpiece in the United States. Grouped along with the Koreans, Germany's Borussia Dortmund as well as Fluminense of Brazil, Sundowns are going to be hard-pressed to produce some of their best performances yet to progress into the knockout stage. And the fact that they were recently denied the chance of adding a second star above their club crest when they lost 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids FC in Africa's premier club knockout competition, has got many feeling Sundowns will merely add to the numbers in America. Shai, however, sees things differently: 'Anything is possible in football. Yes it was disappointing that they lost in the Champions league and they would have been hurt by that. "But they can rise from that and do well at the Club World Cup. They have a strong team and they can compete, I think they will be over that loss when the tournament starts.' Sundowns are playing at the tournament a second time having been there in 2016. But this edition is much bigger than the seven-team event the Brazilians competed in in Japan, where they were beaten by a Korean team in the form of Jeonbuk Hyundai. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is realistic in his expectations, the Portuguese admitting they are not going to enjoy the kind of ball domination they usually do here at home. "We are used to controlling matches in the South African league," the 53-year-old said of a club that recently won the national championship an eighth consecutive time. "Our possession can be 70 percent, sometimes even more." He has readied his team accordingly though. "Now we must prepare mentally to adapt to situations where our opponents will have the majority of possession. I doubt we will be able to control games like we regularly do in South Africa." Sundowns would have been encouraged by the fact that Al Ahly opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. As it was, the Egyptian giants coached by former Orlando Pirates technical boss Jose Riveiro should have won that match early Sunday South African time. Trezeguet missed a penalty to leave Riveiro acknowledging that they made some errors. 'It's a football game, a game of mistakes. We had a decent amount of chances in the first half to put the game on a different space,' he told "In the second half we were defending a little lower than what we wanted and then we had some problems in transition with controlling our first passes.' Next up for Ahly is Brazil's Palmeiras and Riveiro is looking for an improved showing by his lads. 'I am very happy to be here representing the Club of the Century in Africa, and we hope to have a better opportunity in the match against Palmeiras.' Fixtures involving African teams at the Club World Cup in the United States: Group A June 19 - Palmeiras (BRA) v Ahly, East Rutherford June 23 - Porto (POR) v Ahly, East Rutherford Group D June 16 - Flamengo (BRA) v Esperance (TUN), Philadelphia June 20 - Los Angeles (USA) v Esperance, Nashville June 24 - Esperance v Chelsea (ENG), Philadelphia Group F June 17 - Ulsan (KOR) v Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Orlando June 21 - Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund (GER), Cincinnati June 25 - Sundowns v Fluminense (BRA), Miami Group G June 18 - Manchester City (ENG) v Wydad Casablanca (MAR), Philadelphia June 22 - Juventus (ITA) v Wydad, Philadelphia June 26 - Wydad v Al Ain (UAE), Washington Note: Group winners and runners-up qualify for knockout stage
