This season, Mamelodi Sundowns have unexpectedly slipped to second place, with Orlando Pirates leading the way.
Sitting in second spot with only 3 points off the top after 13 league matches, Kabo Yellow are feeling rare pressure.
Coach Miguel Cardoso‘s side also watched as the Buccaneers lifted the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.
Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has finally opened up about the club’s unusual position after the Betway Premiership hit its halfway mark.
“As the year closes, we find ourselves in a position that is unfamiliar in recent seasons,” he told Sundowns Magazine.
The Portuguese coach arrived last December after Manqoba Mngqithi’s shock exit. Cardoso immediately got the Tshwane giants over the line for a record eighth PSL title.
With 26 points from 13 matches, Sundowns lag behind last season’s pace, when they had already racked up 30 points at the same stage.
Motsepe, though, is calm and measured. He reaffirmed his support for the coach and the technical team, pointing to the long-term view.
“While we may not be where we aspire to be at this point, history has taught us that league titles are decided in May, not December,” the Sundowns leader said.
“What has sustained this Club through every era will continue to guide us, the unwavering support of Masandawana,” Motsepe added. “Unity within the Yellow Family will always be our greatest strength.”
Moving on after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Sundowns will resume league action on 20 January 2026 against Orbit College.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE START
Sundowns are currently leading Group C of the CAF Champions League, sitting in first position with 4 points after two matches played.
They opened their group stage campaign with a convincing 3-1 home win against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo on 22 November 2025.
Following that victory, they secured a valuable away point by drawing 0-0 with MC Alger on 28 November, 2025.
Sundowns, champions in 2016, had earlier qualified for the group stage with a dominant 7-1 aggregate win over Nigeria’s Remo Stars.