Mamelodi Sundowns devise travel plan to dodge demanding fixture schedule

Mamelodi Sundowns have opted to charter a private flight for their upcoming CAF Champions League trip to Bamako, Mali, a decision driven by a demanding fixture schedule that has left the club feeling disadvantaged.

The Brazilians are the only quarter-finalist in the continental competition who had to play a domestic match in the week leading up to the first leg. Their schedule saw them face Orbit College in Rustenburg last Tuesday before hosting Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, a match they won 3-0.

The relentless pace continues, as Sundowns are also the sole team scheduled for a league game between the two Champions League legs. They are set to play a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, a situation that has drawn criticism from their coach, Miguel Cardoso.

How Mamelodi Sundowns plan to travel to Mali

Cardoso expressed his frustration, describing the treatment of his club as unfair. “It’s absolutely a shame what is happening in South Africa and how Sundowns is being treated,” he stated.

“The reality is that all the leagues in Africa are providing the conditions for their clubs to represent their countries in the best way. And we are being mistreated in the way we are being considered for us to make the best way.”

In response to these logistical challenges, the Tshwane giants have invested in a charter flight to Bamako as per KickOff. This move bypasses commercial routes, which can take over 30 hours with multiple layovers in cities like Addis Ababa or Libreville.

The private jet will reduce travel time from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Modibo Keita International Airport to approximately nine hours, including a single refuelling stop.

Demanding schedule for Bafana ba Style

The club believes the significant expense is justified to mitigate travel fatigue, especially as the match in Bamako on Sunday will be their 15th since January 19.

Following the second leg, a large contingent of Sundowns players—including Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Iqraam Rayners, and Themba Zwane—will report directly for Bafana Bafana duty.

The national team is scheduled to play Panama in Durban on March 27 and again in Cape Town four days later.

Should Sundowns advance to the Champions League semi-finals, they will face either Al Ahly or Esperance on April 10/11 and April 17/18, necessitating further long-distance travel to Cairo or Tunis.