Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: ‘Game of two champs!’ Leon building with new stars, Sales recognised in Brazil, & more…

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: ‘Game of two champs!’ Leon building with new stars, Sales recognised in Brazil, & more…

Latest Mamelodi Sundowns news in the last 24 hours, including MTN8 final bringing two champions together, Brayan Leon welcoming signings, Arthur Sales recognized in Brazil, and more.

Playing a game with two champions

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says preparations are going well as the Buccaneers get ready to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates will be looking to retain the MTN8 trophy when they come up against Sundowns in Durban, with the two sides set to battle for the first piece of silverware of the 2026/27 season.

Speaking to the media at Rand Stadium on Monday, Ouaddou revealed that the Buccaneers have had around two weeks to prepare for the eagerly anticipated encounter.

The Pirates coach acknowledged that the international break has affected preparations, with several players away on national team duty, but believes the team has maintained its focus on the final.

Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate after winning the FIFA Afrian Asian Pacific Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate after winning the FIFA Afrian Asian Pacific Cup. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

“About our preparation, the preparation is going well. I think it’s a good event. We are really excited to play again this kind of game and to defend this title,” Ouaddou said.

“We had, of course, around two weeks to prepare for this game. Of course, we missed some of the international players, like many teams, but at least the rhythm and the focus were on that game.”

Leon building friendship with new signings

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Colombian star Brayan León has wasted no time in striking up a budding friendship with two of the club’s 2026/27 season recruits.

Sales reaps in Brazil

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales has earned himself rare credit back home in Brazil.

This recognition has been necessitated by Sundowns going through to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup semis to play out as the Challenger Cup in December potentially against a Brazilian club.

As it stands there is a 60% chance that Sundowns will play a Brazilian club. Three of the clubs in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores are Brazilian – CR Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras while Estudiantes de La Plata come in as the fourth from Argentina.

Whoever wins South America’s premier club competition then meets CONCACAF champions Toluca FC in the Derby of the Americas to determine who then comes up against Sundowns.

The winner then meets European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final likely to be played in Qatar in December.

As usual the Brazilians are confident one of their clubs will go through to play Sales’ team.

GloboEsporte – the biggest sports media outlet in Brazil – has in recent weeks given Sales a share of acknowledgement

“We faced Fluminense and it was great to have a Brazilian team on the other side, it shows that our football is reaching many places and the world is watching us,” Sales was quoted as saying by the Brazilian publication.

Sundowns came up against Fluminense at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in match which ended goalless with the 23-year-old playing half an hour.

Kutlwano Lethlaku and Arthur Sales, Mamelodi Sundowns
Kutlwano Lethlaku and Arthur Sales, Mamelodi Sundowns. Image – SS Football

“I hope one of them makes it this far, it will make the competition even more beautiful and competitive. Everything we’re experiencing here is magical, it’s pure joy. We’re very close, a real family.

“We know how difficult it is to face teams from other continents, but we’re proving once again that African football has a lot of quality, that the level is high and deserves respect.

“I thank God for the opportunity, my wife, my family, my teammates and, of course, the fans who always create a wonderful atmosphere, and this time was no different,” he said.

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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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