Will anyone stop the champions? Matthew Booth on Sundowns' quest for a ninth title

As the Betway Premiership returns this weekend, all eyes are on Mamelodi Sundowns.

Can the reigning champions make it nine league titles in a row? Former Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth thinks they can  - and he’s not alone. With fresh challengers rising and key players under the spotlight, the 2025/26 season promises fireworks from day one.

The defending champions are looking for an unprecedented ninth consecutive title, and according to Booth, it's a very real possibility. In an exclusive chat with Showmax Premier League, Booth shared his thoughts on the season ahead, the Brazilians' chances, and the challengers who might dare to dream of snatching the crown. Booth's excitement for the new campaign is palpable.

"I'm really excited about the upcoming season," Booth said.

“We are seeing an incredibly talented crop of youngsters coming to the fore and a pack of strong challengers to Sundowns' crown in an ever improving Pirates, Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune."

But when it comes to his old team, he believes they are in a class of their own. Sundowns have just come off a dominant 4-0 win against Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarter-finals, and Booth said the team is in good shape.

"Yes, they certainly are (in good stead)," he said, "which doesn't bode well for potential challengers and neutrals in the game. There is a bit of confusion at the moment regarding the movements and mental state of two key players but Sundowns still has a squad which is capable of winning the league by five to 10 points."

So, can they really make it nine in a row?

Booth is unwavering in his belief. "Absolutely," he said. "Their Club World Cup stint will only strengthen that claim as it brought even more experience and insight to an already talented and well-travelled squad."

While some might worry about the team's quiet transfer window, Booth isn't concerned.

"The transfer window has been pretty quiet by their standards but certainly Basadien was a great piece of business at left back. On the other side is a bit of a concern with (Zuko) Mdunyelwa being the only recognised defensive right back should (Khuliso) Mudau leave."

With plenty of speculation around the future of some of Sundowns key players, Booth said Sundowns fans shouldn’t be overly concerned with speculation, as losing a player wouldn't be a disaster for the champions. "I don’t think it’s particularly important as they have quality replacements and the ability to go into the market to replace like-for-like. The staff have the ability to assimilate newcomers very quickly so they shouldn't experience inconsistencies.”

So who provides the biggest threat for Sundowns in their quest for a ninth successive league title? Booth said: "Pirates are looking really sharp and their attacking players are on par with Sundowns. The outliers will be Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune.”

Sundowns open their title defence this Saturday, August 9, 2025, with a match against Chippa United at 3pm.

Following that, the Brazilians have a mouthwatering MTN8 semi-final tie against their rivals, Orlando Pirates. Booth believes this clash will be a true test of the league's top contenders.

"Yes, without a doubt," he said of the potential for the game to be a title preview. "Pirates have experienced incredible success in this tournament and have had recent success versus Downs in a two-legged semi-final in the MTN8, so revenge for Downs will be front of mind."

Will Sundowns start their season with a bang and set the tone for another dominant season?

Only time will tell. But with their sights set on an historic ninth title and revenge on their minds, it's shaping up to be an unforgettable season.