Mamelodi Sundowns 2025-26 mid-season Review – Cup Struggles, Away Woes, Coach Question Marks
Mamelodi Sundowns have experienced a mixed season, with strong performances at home, winning 5 out of 6 matches, but struggling away with only 6 goals in 7 fixtures. Their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup has posed challenges, and they trail Orlando Pirates in the league standings. Cup performances have been disappointing, with an early exit in the Carling Knockout Cup and MTN8 semi-final loss. Key players include Tashreeq Matthews and Iqraam Rayners, while new signing Nuno Santos stood out. Improvement in away form and attacking play is crucial for future success.
- Mamelodi Sundowns sit second in the PSL table ahead of the AFCON break
- The Brazilians have seven wins, five draws and one defeat in 13 matches
- Sundowns’ 13 league matches have seen seven goals conceded from 9.7 xG Against
It's been a mixed season for Sundowns so far (Getty Images).
League Season Summary so Far
It’s been a mixed bag of a season for Sundowns up to this point. At home, they’ve won five of their six matches as only Orlando Pirates have left with a point.
In away matches, they’ve dropped points in five of their seven road games. They’ve managed to score just six goals in seven fixtures on their travels.
For the first time in years, they are being challenged for the league title as they sit two points behind Orlando Pirates, having played a match more. However, their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup means that a slow first half of the season was almost expected.
Cup Summary
Downs lost to Pirates on penalties in the MTN8 semi-final after both legs finished 1-1. The Carling Knockout Cup saw a premature exit as they drew 0-0 with Marumo Gallants and lost on spotkicks.
In the CAF Champions League, they breezed through the qualifying round. In the Group Stages, it’s one win and one draw so far.
The expectation is for Sundowns to finally end their 10-year wait to win another CAF Champions League. They were beaten in last season’s final, and there is pressure on coach Miguel Cardoso to lift the continental crown.
Are Sundowns Meeting Expectations?
In reality, no. Sundowns are expected to win the league every season. It is abnormal to have just two wins to their name in seven away league matches.
Their early exit from the Carling Knockout Cup was a big disappointment. The ownership won’t be happy with the lack of domestic silverware in recent years.
In terms of playing style, many supporters feel that coach Miguel Cardoso is too defensive. We rarely see the sort of possession and shot numbers that the club produced under former coach Rhulani Mokwena.
Player of the Season
Due to injuries, a squad rotation policy and off-field problems – such as Khuliso Mudau’s contract standoff – there have only been a handful of standout performers.
Tashreeq Matthews has five goals and four assists and the winger has been a consistent performer. Iqraam Rayners has netted nine goals in just 1,245 minutes, a strike every 138 minutes of action.
In midfield, Marcelo Allende has been a model of seven out of 10 displays on a weekly basis. Portuguese attacking midfielder Nuno Santos has shown flashes of class and also deserves a mention.
Performance of the Season
There are not many standout performances. A 5-1 win in Nigeria against Remo Stars in the CAF Champions League was a fine display.
Two other notable performances were as follows:
Sundowns 3-1 Durban City: 78% possession, 2.01 xG, 18 shots
Sundowns 4-1 Richards Bay: 73% possession, 3.70 xG, 14 shots
Best New Signing
It was a very quiet transfer window for the Brazilians. Left back Fawaaz Basadien was a flop, and Portuguese midfielder Reisinho is yet to show his full potential.
Nuno Santos has excelled from day one and looks a class above most of the PSL. He is undoubtedly the club’s top signing of the last transfer window.
Main Areas of Improvement
The away form simply has to improve if Sundowns are to win the league, which is demanded every single season.
Going forward, there needs to be more excitement and goals scored for the fans to enjoy.
The club also needs to be more effective in the transfer market, whilst sorting out the future of several disenchanted players.
Upcoming Mamelodi Sundowns Transfer Activity
The club will surely sign at least two players in January. Most of the links have been to players in South America.
We could see moves domestically for wingers Puso Dithejane of TS Galaxy or Siyanda Ndlovu of Golden Arrows.
Overall Season Summary – Mamelodi Sundowns
This season has been average so far. The coach needs to secure wins more consistently and loosen the reins in terms of attacking football.
The club needs to back him in the transfer market as they look to end their wait for the CAF Champions League crown.
After the mid-season break, the squad should be refreshed. The Club World Cup can no longer be used as an excuse after February.
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