Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Hilton Jordaan has predicted a major squad overhaul at Chloorkop, with several players potentially leaving the club on loan during the January transfer window.
The Brazilians were dealt a disappointing blow after crashing out of the CAF Champions League, meaning they will have fewer matches to compete in during the second half of the season.
Their attention now shifts to domestic competitions, with the Carling Knockout Cup, Betway Premiership and Nedbank Cup still on their agenda.
Jordaan believes Sundowns could allow some fringe players to leave on loan in January but insists the club is unlikely to dismantle its squad completely.
“I think they may know what to do. I think there might be some players going out on loan in January, but I think they will keep the nucleus of that squad. They still got the Carling Knockout, there’s a league, and there is Nedbank Cup also,” Jordaan told KickOff.
Jordaan reacts to Mamelodi Sundowns’ Champions League exit
The former defender also expressed his surprise at Sundowns’ early elimination from Africa’s premier club competition.
Having won the Champions League last season, the Tshwane giants entered the campaign among the favourites to retain their continental crown.
However, their failure to overcome Angolan opposition proved a major setback, forcing them to shift their attention back to domestic football.
Mamelodi Sundowns wont defend the CAF CL
“It was a shock that they didn’t beat a side from Angola, and now they have to focus on the Carling Knockout. It is a blow for Sundowns because they won the Champions League last season, which made them the tournament’s favourites. So for them to go out in the first round wasn’t part of the plan.”
With fewer continental commitments, Mamelodi Sundowns could use the January transfer window to reassess their squad and give some players opportunities elsewhere through loan moves.