Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: ‘I was worried,’ heart-breaking exit, & more…

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: ‘I was worried,’ heart-breaking exit, & more…

The latest Mamelodi Sundowns news in the last 24 hours including why Mothobi Mvala was worried, how the CAF Champions League exit affected the club, the Fawaaz Basadien story, and more.

Mamelodi Sundowns News, as they break

I was worried

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala is relishing the chance to help the club make history after admitting he feared he might never reclaim his place following a lengthy injury lay-off.

The centre-back has returned to action, captaining the 2026 African champions to 1-0 victories over Marumo Gallants and Golden Arrows recently.

His timely return comes ahead of Sundowns’ CAF Super Cup clash with USM Alger on Sunday, with the prospect of competing for continental silverware adding weight to his comeback.

“It means a lot because we’re a group that wants to be part of the history. We know that in 2016, the group that played in this tournament won it. They won the CAF [Champions League], and then they won this trophy. So, we’re also looking forward to making history for the club,” Mvala told journalists.

“It feels great. It feels great to be back in the field, to be with my teammates. You know, to go to the corner flag after scoring and celebrate with them and give each other those high fives. Those are the moments that I missed a lot, you know and getting some minutes.

Mothobi Mvala
Mothobi Mvala and Mamelodi Sundowns teammates, Image – Mamelodi Sundowns

“[To be back] It gave me, like, motivation because I was out for long. I was worried if I would ever be back on the team. And now I’m back with the guys? The feeling is amazing. I never thought I’d be back and playing the way I did. But kudos to the coaches, the medical staff, my teammates, the senior players, Themba Zwane, and people who were there for me. That feeling of being tired at the game, I really missed it.”

The heartbreaking CAF CL exit, but…

Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Nuno Santos admitted that their CAF Champions League exit was heartbreaking, but insisted the team will not allow the setback to derail them when they host Algerian side USM Alger in Sunday’s CAF Super Cup clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The stern USM Alger test

Fawaaz Basadien believes Mamelodi Sundowns are in for a stern test when they host Algeria’s USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.

A one-year story

A lot can change in a year, and someone who can attest to this is Fawaaz Basadien, who has gone from enduring tough times to experiencing joy.

Basadien joined Sundowns before the start of last season from Stellenbosch FC, but life didn’t quite go how he would have liked. Game time was hard to come by and he ended up losing his place in the national team. 

All that is behind him now. He has made 12 appearances in all competitions in this campaign, which is already more than the 11 he managed the whole of last season. 

In addition to getting more game time at club level this season, Basadien has reclaimed his spot in the Bafana Bafana squad under head coach Pitso Mosimane. There is a lot that has gone into his turnaround and he revealed it to the media at Chloorkop, ahead of this Sunday’s CAF Super Cup final against Algeria side USM Alger, the reigning Confederation Cup champions.

“I am in a good space. Felling good, I’ve been playing regularly, so I am in a good family. I think credit to my family and credit to the man above for giving me the strength and courage to overcome the situations I had last season and to be able to perform at a consistent level and to be in a better space this season. Credit to my family for getting me through those times, especially my wife and my son. If I come home to them, I always get some inspiration to do more,” Basadien told the media.

Fawaaz Basadien of Mamelodi Sundowns was voted Man of the Match against Richards Bay.
Fawaaz Basadien of Mamelodi Sundowns was voted Man of the Match against Richards Bay. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

“So, it was a bit difficult for me to get started regarding regular game time. From last season until now, I committed myself to improve in those things I was lacking in last season and to improve humble and believe I can achieve things. It was important for me to have a strong mindset and keep believing that eventually my chance will come.”

<!-- 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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