Why Mamelodi Sundowns Might Struggle at the Beginning of 2025–26 Season

• FIFA Club World Cup participation may affect Mamelodi Sundowns' 2025–26 season start as they hope to get better result under Miguel Cardoso
• The Portuguese tactician will be working with a small squad compared to last season and a little time to prepare for the next campaign
• Uche Anuma in an interview with Briefly News warns against Sundowns' possible slow start next season

Mamelodi Sundowns are part of the teams that represented Africa at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States.

It has been a wholesome season for the Brazilians as they participated in all available competitions and only missed out on the final in the MTN8, Nedbank Cup and FIFA CWC. They were defeated in the final of the CAF Champions League by Pyramids FC and also knocked out of the Nedbank Cup in the semi-finals.

It's a hectic campaign for Miguel Cardoso and his players, and could affect their preparation for next season.

The Brazilians will resume pre-season training on July 21, and would be having their camp in South Africa rather than travelling out. The club are yet to confirm the teams they will be playing preparation games against before the season kicks off.

Why Sundowns might struggle next season

Sports journalist Uche Anuma, while having a chat with Briefly News at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup competition, raised an important issue that Sundowns' participation in the tournament could make them struggle at the beginning of next season.

"Mamelodi Sundowns pulled off a good performance at the Club World Cup, but this could have a little effect on how they prepare for next season," he said.

"Taking part in the competition means they won't have the type of pre-season Cardoso would desire, and they are yet to make plans on the new players that would be joining the team.

"I learnt the players will resume pre-season on the 21st of this month, so they will have nine days to prepare for MTN8 and 16 days before the PSL season begins.

"Sundowns played virtually all matches last season. I am concerned about the fatigue of the players that might affect them early next season, but I am still sure they would deliver in the CAF Champions League."

Anuma also opened up on his thoughts about what is expected from Cardoso next season after leading them to victory in the Betway Premiership and the final of the CAF Champions League last term.

"I think Cardoso has a big task ahead of him next campaign. Winning the CAF Champions League is top on the list of what is expected from the Portuguese coach," he added.

"If he misses out on other trophies and delivers the CAF Champions League, I am certain he would retain his job, but bad performance on the continent is a no, which even winning a domestic treble might not save his job"

How much Sundowns made at FIFA CWC

Briefly News also reported on the amount Sundowns made at the FIFA Club World Cup despite failing to reach the knockout stage of the tournament in the United States.

The PSL giants were the African side that earned the most out of all their continental counterparts.

Source: Briefly News