Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for a hectic opening couple of months to the 2026/27 season, with the Tshwane giants facing a demanding run of domestic, continental and international fixtures following the postponement of their league opener.
The Brazilians were due to begin their title defence against Marumo Gallants on the opening weekend, but the fixture was postponed after the club requested additional time following the tragic death of midfielder Jayden Adams.
That delay has left Miguel Cardoso’s side with a packed schedule that could see them play up to seven matches in just 22 days.
MTN8 first up
Mamelodi Sundowns will officially kick off their season on Saturday, 8 August when they host Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Loftus Versfeld.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
Attention then quickly shifts back to league action, with an away trip to TS Galaxy on Tuesday, 11 August (19:30) before a blockbuster clash against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium four days later (15:00).
The rescheduled fixture against Marumo Gallants will take place on Wednesday, 19 August, before home league encounters against AmaZulu on Wednesday, 26 August and Milford on Wednesday, 2 September.
Should Mamelodi Sundowns progress in the MTN8, they will also have semi-final ties scheduled for 22 and 29 August, creating an intense run of fixtures with little recovery time between matches.
CAF decision could ease workload
There may be some relief on the horizon depending on CAF’s decision regarding the Champions League qualifying rounds.
The first qualifying round is scheduled for 5 and 12 September, but as reigning African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns are widely expected to receive at least a first-round bye.
Should they also avoid the second qualifying round, the Brazilians would progress directly to the group stage, significantly easing their congested schedule.
Global ambitions continue
Domestic commitments are only part of the challenge awaiting Cardoso’s squad.
Mamelodi Sundowns will represent Africa in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the African-Asian-Pacific Cup between Al Ahli Saudi FC and Auckland FC on 19 September.
The club also remains in contention for further silverware later in the year, with the MTN8 final scheduled for 10 October should they reach it, while the CAF Super Cup against USM Alger awaits on 31 October.
With league, knockout, continental and international competitions all overlapping, Mamelodi Sundowns’ squad depth will be tested from the outset as they look to defend their domestic crown while challenging for honours on every front.
