Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: ‘They’ve suffered before’, mass exodus in January & more

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: ‘They’ve suffered before’, mass exodus in January & more

The latest Mamelodi Sundowns news in the last 24 hours including Masandawana tipped to bounce back despite CAF Champions League exit, mass exodus expected in January, and more.

Sundowns latest news as they break

‘Formidable Sundowns have suffered before’

Marumo Gallants head coach Ronnie Kanalelo believes Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAFCL exit could have presented his side with an opportunity, but insists the Brazilians remain a formidable opponent.

Sundowns’ exit from Africa’s elite club competition has raised questions about how the team will respond, with their focus now shifting towards their domestic commitments.

However, Kanalelo was reluctant to suggest that Gallants had faced Sundowns at the perfect time, acknowledging that the disappointment of elimination could have motivated the Tshwane giants to respond strongly on the pitch.

It was described as a ‘failure’ by head coach Miguel Cardoso last Friday, as the defending champions – along with the coach who was in three consecutive finals in the competition suffered an embarrassing exit before the group stages.

“It could be the right time, it could be a wrong time, are they disappointed, are they sad? Sundowns are very much sad… to be out of the Champions League, it could have been an advantage for us, but it could have been a different opportunity for them for winning this competition,” Kanalelo opened up.

“They made many changes and when they make changes with the quality they have, you have players that are trying to place themselves in the squad – you can’t say it’s a right or wrong time. The quality is good and they are very strong.

Thabang Matuludi and Marcelo Allende
Thabang Matuludi and Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Durban City, Image – Mamelodi Sundowns

“They have suffered before, it’s not the first time, but we also wanted to see how badly they had been affected, we gave our best – it tells you they didn’t take us for granted.”

Gallants finally secured their first win of the season when they beat Siwelele FC 3-2 on Friday to move from the bottom of the table and will be hoping to make it two wins on the trot against Golden Arrows before the next FIFA international break arrives.

Mass exodus in January?

Mamelodi Sundowns might be forced to release some of their fringe players on loan in January following their elimination from the CAF Champions League, according to a former Brazilians defender.

Sundowns were eliminated in the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League by Angolan club Wiliete SC on the away goal after a 1-1 draw in the second leg.

Former Sundowns defender Hilton Jordaan says failing to reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League is a big blow for the defending champions.

“I think they may know what to do. I think there might be some players going out on loan in January, but I think they will keep the nucleus of that squad. They still got the Carling Knockout, there’s a league, and there is Nedbank Cup also,” Jordaan told KickOff.

“It was a shock that they didn’t beat a side from Angola, and now they have to focus on the Carling Knockout. It is a blow for Sundowns because they won the Champions League last season, which made them the tournament’s favourites. So for them to go out in the first round wasn’t part of the plan.”

Flemming Berg was drenched by irate fans.
Flemming Berg was drenched by irate fans.

As the reigning continental holders, Sundowns became only the seventh defending champion in the modern era to be dumped out before the group stage.

This marks the first time since 2015 that Masandawana failed to reach the lucrative group phase, ending a historic era of consistent continental dominance.

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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