Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: What pains Motsepe, transfer updates & European test awaits

Latest about Mamelodi Sundowns, including chairman Thlopie Motsepe’s assessment of a tough domestic season and a pre-season meeting with Austrian giants in the offing.

Thlopie Motsepe: ‘It is painful’

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe (left) and Themba Zwane. Photo – Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe has issued a remarkably candid post-season reflection, conceding that Orlando Pirates simply deserved to end Sundowns’ eight-year stranglehold on the Betway Premiership title.

Writing via the Sundowns Magazine, Motsepe was unflinching about where his club fell short. “We finished our 2026 campaign in a very strong manner, but we did not start as well as we had hoped. In addition to failing to secure the local cups, we fell short of winning our ninth league title in a row,” he wrote.

“As much as it pains me to say this, we lost the league because our rivals were better than us over the course of the season. However, if we are to relinquish our domestic championship, let it be to an Orlando Pirates team that performed as exceptionally as they did this year.”

Castro’s makes Bafana love known

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos instructs his players during their match against Mexico. Image: Imago

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Leonardo Castro has used the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a platform to express his deep affection for South Africa, publicly throwing his support behind Bafana Bafana despite his native Colombia also competing at the global showpiece.

The Colombian forward, who enjoyed successful spells with both Masandawana and Kaizer Chiefs in the PSL, took to social media to share a heartfelt message after his son Valentín retrieved South African shirts from his wardrobe.

“Today my son Valentín took these t-shirts out of his wardrobe, and it reminded me of what South Africa means to us. More than a place, it’s a country that opened its doors to us and welcomed us with open arms. A country where we met incredible, kind, and always cheerful people who left a very special mark on our lives,” he said as per KickOff.

Mamelodi Sundowns to face Austria giants

Mamelodi Sundowns vs RB Leipzig. Image: Leipzig

Mamelodi Sundowns will take on multiple Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg in a pre-season friendly in July.

Sundowns, who played another Red Bull-sponsored team RB Leipzig in May, winning 3-1 in Pretoria, will have another test this time in Europe with the match slated for July 18 in Austria.