Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Downs overtake Chiefs & Pirates! Mshishi’s time up? And more…

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Downs overtake Chiefs & Pirates! Mshishi’s time up? And more…

The latest Mamelodi Sundowns news in the last 24 hours including Themba Zwane’s future being discussed, Masandawana now the most followed club ahead of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, and more.

Sundowns’ lastest news

Who will stop Zwane?

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star Benson Mhlongo has weighed in on the debate surrounding Themba Zwane’s role at Sundowns, insisting that the midfielder himself is best placed to determine whether he can still perform at the highest level.

Zwane, affectionately known as Mshishi, has faced questions over whether he should still be a regular starter for the Brazilians at his age, while his continued inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad has also sparked debate given his lack of regular game time at club level.

Speaking on the Chillers Network Podcast, Mhlongo suggested that physical condition and the ability to train consistently should be central to the discussion, rather than age alone.

“The only person who can tell us if it’s his time is Mshishi himself. If I can train properly, I could play in the PSL now, right now. Did you ever see me sprinting?” Mhlongo said.

The former midfielder, who represented both Pirates and Sundowns during his playing career, also touched on the situation surrounding Sipho Mbule, who was viewed as a potential replacement for Zwane in the number 10 role.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane in action.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane in action.

“It was Mbule, he was there to replace Zwane, to be the number 10. If you had to hear the stories about me, I was worse, but I came clean to say I drink. These guys who are indisciplined now didn’t come clean. I never skipped training sessions. When you don’t come to work, that’s when there’s problems,” he explained.

Zwane remains one of Sundowns’ most experienced and technically gifted players, having played a key role in the club’s domestic dominance over the past decade.

Goss opens up on challenges faced

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ricardo Goss has revealed the challenge faced by his side in their goalless draw against Wiliete SC in the CAF Champions League.

The Tshwane giants played to a stalemate with Wiliete at Estadio Nacionale da Tundavala in Angola on Sunday in the first leg of the Champions League second preliminary round.

Masandawana struggled to impose themselves and play their usual enterprising football after Wiliete stood firm in defense. Having drawn away, Sundowns will be aiming to secure a win in front of their home fans next weekend to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.

After winning the Champions League last season, Sundowns is looking to produce impressive performances to defend the continental crown. The former Golden Arrows shotstopper has opened up on the disappointing draw against Wiliete, flagging the pitch as a contributing factor to their unpleasant results.

“It was a difficult game; obviously they are a big team here, and I think they are top of the log in their league,” Goss told the Sundowns media team.

Nuno Santos of Mamelodi Sundowns facing off with Al Ahli.
Nuno Santos of Mamelodi Sundowns facing off with Al Ahli. Image: Al Ahli

“But the pitch also didn’t help us, with the rain just before the game, but I think we can take the 0-0 to Loftus [Versfeld Stadium].”

The Bafana Bafana international returned to Sundowns in the off-season following the expiry of his loan deal with Siwelele FC, where he continued showcasing his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the PSL.

Sundowns overtake Chiefs as most followed club

African champions Mamelodi Sundowns have overtaken Kaizer Chiefs as the most-followed South African club on Instagram, with Orlando Pirates sitting third among the PSL’s big three.

Masandawana are setting the pace on and off the pitch, with their ever-growing social media presence seeing the Tshwane side boast more Instagram followers than Kaizer Chiefs, while Orlando Pirates complete the podium in third on the photo-sharing app.

Sundowns have edged past the traditional Soweto giants, claiming the top spot for Instagram followers in South African football. The Brazilians lead on Instagram with 1.3 million loyal followers, ahead of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, who round out the top three. 

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

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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