Mamelodi Sundowns believe the time has come to end their long wait for MTN8 glory as they prepare to launch their 2026/27 campaign with renewed determination.
The Brazilians have not lifted the prestigious Top 8 trophy in several years, and members of the squad have openly admitted that it is one of the major honours the club is determined to reclaim after dominating the Betway Premiership in recent seasons.
Despite their domestic league success and recent CAF Champions League triumph, the players insist the MTN8 remains a priority as they seek to erase the disappointment of falling short in previous editions.
Sundowns begin their MTN8 campaign on Saturday, August 8, when they host Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Kick-off is at 6pm.
The club’s preparations for the new season have, however, been far from ideal.
The emotional burden became even heavier following the tragic passing of Bafana Bafana and Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams shortly after the FIFA Club World Cup. His death sent shockwaves through the club and the South African football fraternity.
Adams had established himself as one of Sundowns’ key midfielders and played a significant role for Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup. He was expected to be a central figure in Miguel Cardoso’s plans for the new season, but his untimely death forced the club to put football aside as players, coaches and supporters mourned one of the country’s brightest talents.
Tributes poured in from across the football world as teammates struggled to come to terms with the devastating loss.
Despite the emotional setback, Sundowns are determined to honour Adams’ memory by challenging for every trophy on offer this season.
Cardoso still boasts one of the strongest squads in South African football, with experienced campaigners Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas expected to lead the charge.
The Brazilians recently travelled to Austria for their pre-season training camp, where they played three international friendly matches. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Germany’s Hertha Berlin, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, and concluded their preparations with another 1-1 draw against Algeria’s MC Alger.
Cardoso used the matches to improve the squad’s fitness and assess all his players, making wholesale changes during the friendlies to ensure every member of the squad received valuable game time ahead of the new campaign.
The Austrian training camp was regarded as a success by the technical team, allowing the players to build fitness, integrate new signings and prepare thoroughly following a disrupted off-season.
Former Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana described the camp as a major boost, saying it was the first time in years that the club had enjoyed a proper pre-season after previous campaigns had been disrupted by CAF Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup commitments.
Sundowns will once again be among the favourites to challenge for the MTN8 title, but they face stiff competition, particularly from defending champions Orlando Pirates, who have dominated the competition in recent years.
For Sundowns, the mission is clear: put a difficult off-season behind them, honour the memory of Jayden Adams, and bring the MTN8 trophy back to Chloorkop.