Extra Time: Michael Madyira argues that the team must quickly get back on track because Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates have a chance to end their dominance this season.
Mamelodi Sundowns were knocked out of the MTN8 semi-finals by Stellenbosch at the weekend.
They were beaten 1-0 at home at Lucas Moripe Stadium last Wednesday and 1-0 again at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, losing 2-0 on aggregate.
Sundowns didn’t perform well in the tournament, even in the quarter-finals, where they struggled to beat Polokwane City 1-0, thanks to an own goal by Thabang Matuludi.
The team that recently brought in four players from lower divisions took them to extra time.
Despite Sundowns’ expensive squad, which includes five new signings, such as Kobamelo Kodisang and Brazilian forward Arthur Sales, they couldn’t dominate.
This is surprising for a team that had a pre-season camp in Austria. They also faced trouble against Stellenbosch, even though they had signed striker Iqraam Rayners from the same team.
However, counting them out may be premature after just three competitive games.
Sundowns might still need more time to adjust after sacking coach Rhulani Mokwena.
If they don’t improve, other PSL teams may see this as their chance to challenge them, including traditional giants like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, who have been criticised for letting Sundowns dominate the PSL in recent years.
With the 2024-25 season starting on 14 September, Sundowns must quickly get back on track to maintain their winning mentality.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns winger Thapelo Morena tries to get past Stellenbosch midfielder Sihle Nduli.
Source: Mamelodi Sundowns
Full Story Source: Sundowns’ supremacy in danger
