Champions again! How, when, where and what's to come for Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns won the Betway Premiership championship with a resounding 3–0 victory over Chippa United at the Buffalo City Stadium on Wednesday night. The crowning feat meant that Sundowns had won South Africa's Premiership title for the eighth successive season, and the 15th overall, with one match to spare.

The Brazilians have established an era of unprecedented success in the PSL-era. Their latest conquest is a testament to the club’s consistency on the pitch under Miguel Cardoso.

This is Cardoso’s first major silverware since taking charge last December, following Manqoba Mngqithi’s departure. Under his guidance, Sundowns have thus far played 27 league matches, winning 23, losing three, and drawing once.

We look at some of the defining moments of Sundowns’ journey to this historic triumph.

Best game this season?

Orlando Pirates suffered a blow to their Premiership title aspirations as they went down 4–1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in February.

It was the Soweto giants’ third defeat in the league, and this allowed their Tshwane counterparts to open an imposing nine-point gap at the top of the log. Apart from Sundowns’ biggest win, a 4–0 victory over Golden Arrows, this was arguably their finest league performance.

Best player this season

Sundowns’ best player was Lucas Ribeiro, who topped the charts by clocking the most playing minutes this season. The Brazilian star was at the heart of their success.

Ribeiro’s tireless work ethic did not go unnoticed, and Cardoso acknowledged this, “Lucas is a game-changer for us; his fitness levels allow him to be on the field longer than most. His ability to influence matches is invaluable.”

Crucial moment which tipped the Premiership scales

After losing against Sekhukhune United, Pirates were 12 points adrift of the log-leaders Sundowns, who won their match against Richards Bay FC the same evening last month. That outcome effectively put the championship title beyond Pirates’ reach.

The Cardoso factor

Cardoso steered the champions with innovative strategies and decisive leadership. The team adopted a winning mentality that resonates throughout the squad.

His brave decisions shifted the dynamics on the pitch with bold formations and unexpected player selections. He challenged players to elevate their performances and adapt to varying match conditions.

What’s next?

On Saturday, newly-crowned champions Sundowns will host Magesi United at Loftus Versfeld in their final Premiership match of the season. After the game, Sundowns will be presented with the new Betway Premiership trophy, designed by world-renowned South African artist Nelson Makamo.

The champions will then prepare for a two legged CAF Champions League final against Pyramids. They will host the first match next week Saturday at home, before the return match in Cairo a week later.

Thereafter, Cardoso and Co travel to the US to participate in the Fifa Club World Cup, where they will play in Group F against Ulsan from South Korea, German club Dortmund and Fluminense FC of Brazil.