Unpacking Mamelodi Sundowns' PSL dominance

Masandawana claimed the 2024/25 Betway Premiership title on Wednesday 14 May after beating Chippa United 3-0,  recording their eighth consecutive title victory following the win against a team they have never lost a league match against. 

We look at five factors we believe have led to Ka Bo Yellow's unprecedented dominance in South African football. 

Squad depth

The Brazilians have assembled a quality squad of 40 first team players, most of which could walk into other Premier Soccer League teams starting line-ups.

This makes it easier for any coach at the helm of the club as he has endless quality options to chose from should there be injuries and suspensions. Miguel Cardoso has proven this by winning without star man Themba "Mshishi" Zwane, who missed for majority of the season due to an Achilles injury.

Every member of the current Masandawana squad (except goalkeepers Reyaad Pieterse, Sanele Tshabalala and striker Lebo Mothiba) has made at least five appearances this season, with most if not all players seamlessly filling in when required.

This makes it difficult for players who miss out to automatically return into the starting line-up, which creates positive competition within the Chloorkop training ground.

Transfers

The Tshwane giants have the knack of being able to sign the top players from most teams in the PSL, without hesitation. In recent times players like Jayden Adams and Iqraam Rayners have joined the club and instantly made a positive impact.

At the beginning of this eight league titles winning run in 2016/17, versatile wingback Thapelo Morena was one of the players signed under coach Pitso Mosimane winning the CAF Champions League in his first season and going on to win the league title with the club in every season.

Key players like captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Mosa Lebusa and Mothobi Mvala have all never gone a season without winning the league since joining the club, which fuels their winning mentality.

Expensive foreign signings like Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende and in-form Brazilian forward Arthur Sales have not only strengthened an already strong squad, but also made it capable of dominance in African competitions as well.

This bodes well for Downs ahead of their upcoming CAF Champions League final and FIFA Club World Cup campaign.

International experience

Masandawana boasts the highest number of players in the current Bafana Bafana set-up, most of whom have become key figures in national team starting line-ups under head coach Hugo Broos.

New signings like Tashreeq Matthews, Lebo Mothiba and Kobamelo Kodisang also signed from the club following stints abroad, which further enhances the technical ability of the squad.

The South American contingent also provides a further boost for the team, with PSL Player of the Year candidate Lucas Ribiero excelling with 17 goals and 13 assists so far this season.

Not reliant on youngsters

Mamelodi Sundowns have not shown reliance on younger players but have not hesitated to give Malibongwe Khoza, Asekho Tiwani, Kutlwano Lethlaku and Thapelo Maseko opportunities to play like when needed.

This perhaps has been the biggest difference between the Betway Premiership champions and their closest rivals, who have had to rely on younger, inexperienced players to try navigate through new challenges and produce immediate results.

Star midfielder Teboho Mokoena put it perfectly in a recent interview when he said "We have paid our school fees," following their progression to the 2024/25 CAF Champions League final.

The experience of being knocked out in the semi-finals of previous editions of the CAF tournament has helped push the team to the next level, in time for their second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Growing fan base

The Tshwane giants have enjoyed more popularity as they continue to break domestic records which has led to more fans from rival teams joining the club in seek of success, which has gradually led to attendance increasing at home matches.

Ka Bo Yellow fans have become accustomed to winning and the players know that nothing less than trophies will be tolerated. 

This has seen Masandawana develop a 'never say die' attitude, which was evident with their last minute equalizer against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League semi-final.

The way things are looking, the Sky is the limit.