Teams That Can Challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership Title Next Season

• Mamelodi Sundowns would be gunning for their ninth consecutive Betway Premiership titles next season after winning the last eight editions
• The Brazilians are named the team to beat next season but a title contender has been named ahead of the new campaign
• A sports journalist in a chat with Briefly News believes this season won't be business as usual for the Pretoria giants

Mamelodi Sundowns have been tipped to win the 2025-26 Betway Premiership after winning the last eight editions of the competition.

The Brazilians edged out Orlando Pirates as champions last season, and were CAF Champions League finalists but lost in the final against Pyramids FC.

A sports journalist believes next season won't be business as usual for Masandawana, as they might be challenged for the title with the dominance coming to an end.

Teams that can challenge Sundowns for league title

Michael Afoloyan, while chatting with Briefly News exclusively, believes other teams would challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title this forthcoming season bringing an end to their eight-year dominance.

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“I said previously that it would be a house race between Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates with Sundowns being the obvious favourites among the three clubs," he said.

"Mamelodi Sundowns have won the last eight Betway Premiership titles, stamping their dominance as the favourites every season.

"Despite them being favourites, I still think this season might be different and some of the clubs can pose a little threat to Sundowns' title chances.

"Orlando Pirates are looking like a new team with the additions of new quality players and also the arrival of Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new coach.

"It is going to be an exciting season as moves of the clubs are active in the transfer market and are not taking any chances."

Afolayan also shared his thoughts on Mamelodi Sundowns' signing of Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC despite having Aubrey Modiba in their squad.

"I was expecting either Orlando Pirates to sign Basadien this summer or he would stay for one more season at Stellenbosch as they are also playing continental football next season," he added.

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"Sundowns having Modiba and Basadien together might affect one of the players' chances, especially given that they are both in the national team.

"There's the Africa Cup of Nations this year, which means their battle to make Hugo Broos' squad start at the club level, as none of them is guaranteed a starter, as they are battling for one spot.

"Modiba has an advantage over Basadien as he's stayed longer at Sundowns and also can play as a midfielder. Miguel Cardoso would be having a 'good' selection headache next season, while Broos would've the opportunity to look out for other left-backs in the league."

Favourites to win Betway Premiership this season

Briefly News earlier reported on the favourites to win the 2025-26 Betway Premierhsip among Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

The three Premier Soccer League giants are tipped to compete for the winner of the league next season.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News