Mamelodi Sundowns Season Preview: Star player, weakness, good season, predicted finish

Mamelodi Sundowns begin their 2025-26 PSL campaign against Chippa United on Saturday August 9 with eyes on all three points.

Sundowns have won the last eight PSL titles and few are betting against them making it nine on the bounce but there are other targets that they have in mind for the campaign.

However, to do that, they will need to maintain a high-quality squad and ensure their big hitters are available for most of the season given their rivals have strengthened in a bid to dethrone them from the throne.

Heading into the new season, Afrik-Foot outlines Sundowns’ star player, weaknesses, what would constitute a good season and their predicted finish.

Who is Mamelodi Sundowns’ star player?

There is no doubt that Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro is their star player and the fact that he was crowned the PSL Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year further enhances this.

Ribeiro had a big hand in Sundowns’ run to the PSL title as he scored 16 goals, to win the Golden Boot, and also contributed to their way to the CAF Champions League final and their impressive show at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Overall, Ribeiro scored 21 goals and added 14 assists in 51 matches across all competitions and will be relied upon for goals and creativity again in 2025-26.

However, the big question is whether Ribeiro will be around next season as he has attracted interest from Fluminense and Qatar SC with Sundowns reportedly waiting for the right offer to let him go.

Losing him would be a massive blow for Sundowns as he has scored 37 goals and added 23 assists in 88 games during his two-year stay at Chloorkop.

Memelodi Sundowns’ weaknesses

It is hard to pick out weaknesses in a star-studded squad like Sundowns’ but their defending was a cause for worry last season when they came up against teams out of South Africa.

While they kept lots of clean sheets in the league, they struggled with the same in the Champions League and it is the reason they are not African champions.

Whether faced with wingers who are good one-on-one or defending a set piece, Sundowns were found wanting and must improve this to have any chance of winning the Champions League.

Coach Miguel Cardoso’s decision-making also raised eyebrows as he left out some key players in crucial matches while he made weird substitutions and unless he gets it spot on this season, he could find himself in trouble.

Who has arrived to solve the weaknesses?

Heading into the 2025-26 season-opener, Sundowns have only made one signing but it is a key one as left-back Fawaaz Basadiem has been lured from Stellenbosch FC and should make them even stronger. More players will arrive before the transfer window closes.

What would be a good season for Sundowns?

Winning the PSL is seen as a foregone conclusion at Sundowns but lifting the Champions League is the ‘Holy Grail.’

The powers that be at Chloorkop are literally ‘obsessed’ with continental glory and it will not be a good season unless a second Champions League trophy arrives at Sundowns.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ predicted finish

Even with the 10 signings that main rivals Orlando Pirates have made, Sundowns still have enough to make it nine PSL titles in a row, although the gap could be narrow between the two teams, especially if Ribeiro leaves.