Mamelodi Sundowns’ Slow Start: What’s Behind Their Early Season Struggles
- Sundowns have had a slower start to the 2025/26 Premiership season, with early performances below expectations
- Injuries, squad adjustments, and the departure of key players have contributed to inconsistency on the field
- Briefly News had an exclusive interview with a football analyst offering insight into Sundowns’ challenges and early-season form
Mamelodi Sundowns have experienced a slower start to the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership season than fans and analysts expected.
Despite remaining unbeaten in the league, their early performances have raised questions about consistency and form.
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News spoke exclusively with football analyst Brighton Bafana, who attributed Sundowns’ slower start to a combination of factors.
He pointed to residual fatigue from the FIFA Club World Cup as a key contributor, noting that players had limited time to fully recover before the domestic season began.
In addition, player injuries like that of Themba Zwane and the club have lost their talisman Lucas Ribeiro, who had an excellent FIFA Club World Cup.
"Themba Zwane got injured in the game against Magesi. He could be out for another long period. That will definitely be another huge problem for Masandawana. You know, they also lost Lucas Ribeiro. The case is still with FIFA, but Ribeiro wanted out, and he is gone. That has affected morale in the camp as well."
Bafana also noted that the pressure of maintaining success after eight consecutive Premiership titles, coupled with the early exit from the MTN8, which was won by Orlando Pirates last Saturday, 13 September, added to the challenges Sundowns face.
Overall, while Sundowns have yet to hit the dominant form of previous seasons, Bafana emphasised that their unbeaten record and strong performances in recent matches indicate that the club remains a serious contender for the 2025/26 Premiership title.
Mamelodi Sundowns' current form and league position
Nevertheless, the club’s unbeaten run in the league and recent 3-0 victory over Magesi FC suggest they are finding their rhythm and remain strong contenders for the title.
Mamelodi Sundowns currently sit second on the Betway Premiership log with 14 points from six games, following four wins and two draws.
Their form includes draws against Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs, while securing victories in the other fixtures. They are set to face Marumo Gallants F.C. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
What did Sundowns' coach say about their next games?
Head coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged the pressure of their upcoming fixtures, stressing how congested the calendar had become.
“We have midweek matches lined up, and by the end of the month, we’ll have played six or seven games,” he noted.
“It’s up to us to manage it properly because if we don’t, it could come back to cost us.”
Sekhukhune United title credentials scrutinised
Briefly News previously reported that Sekhukhune United’s recent surge to the top of the Betway Premiership log has captured the attention of fans and analysts in the local football scene in South Africa.
On Tuesday, 16 September 2025, 'Babina Noko' beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 at FNB Stadium in a statement win that has raised questions about their title credentials.
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Source: Briefly News
