Thrills and (spills) switched on at Sundowns

The joys of Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2026/27 season will have all lights switched on with the first trophy opportunity placed in their sights on Saturday.

Sundowns have a buffet of silverware in front of them this season and it all starts with the African-Asian-Pacific Cup on Saturday planted as a pathway in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

AFC Champions League holders Al Ahli will be the immediate hurdle to get past for the Chloorkop-based outfit for trophy number one of their campaign.

READ: World Cup levels in Downs/Ahli contest as Williams finally plays against Mendy

Victory will take them to the Challenger Cup in December against the winner of the Derby of the Americas and if they win again, then they have PSG waiting in the Intercontinental final.

The FIFA Intercontinental Cup stands as a three-in-one competition and offers prizemoney ranging from USD1 million (approx. R16,3 million) to USD5 million (approx. R81 million).

After the contest against the Saudi club, Miguel Cardoso's men have the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on October 10 with R10 million offered for the winners.

From there, it is the CAF Super Cup one-off match on November 8 against USM Alger.

Lifting that trophy will come with USD500 000 (approx. R8,1 million) for the winners.

Should The Brazilians not lift the trophy, then they will get USD250 000 (approx. R4,07 million).

So, they will be going up the podium three months in a row to either lift trophies or go away as runners-up.

Beyond that, they are also in contention to play in the Carling Knockout final before Christmas if they get past the Last 16, quarterfinals, semis, and the final. 

The competition gets underway on October 24 and will run until December 12 with R6,85 million on offer for the winners.

Sundowns’ season still has interests in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, and Nedbank Cup.

They will play Angolan club Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela SAD in the final round of Champions League qualifiers in October to determine their passage into the group stage.

READ: CAF history beckons for PSL clubs with moneybag to fill

With so many trophies to play for this season, the Tshwane giants have the chance to stretch their PSL era years trophy haul beyond 29. 

They have 15 league titles in the PSL years, plus two Champions League titles, the CAF Super Cup, and the African Football League plus the Nedbank Cup (5), Carling Knockout (3), and MTN8 (2).  

Related tags

Al Ahli Saudi Fc Caf Champions League Mamelodi Sundowns Miguel Cardoso