WeeklySA_AdminINVINCIBLE: FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP PARTICIPANTS BACK HOME AND SET TO WIN 9th LEAGUE TITLE IN A ROW
By Jo-Mangaliso Mdhlela
On Monday, July 21, the hard work to defend the premiership title – and stake a claim to the MTM8, the elusive target for the past two years, 2023, 2024 – starts with pre-season training at their headquarters, Chloorkop, Midrand.
Mamelodi Sundowns are late starters in terms of preparing themselves for both the MTM8 and Betway Premiership Championship league fixtures scheduled to commence on August 9
For the county’s football giants, Sundowns, training to ship-shape the squad, starts on home soil as opposed to the other leading sides, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, who have opted to doing all their training overseas.
But Pirates and Chiefs have adopted a new way of training – you might call it a novelty – conducting their pre-season training for the league encounter on foreign soil.
The Sea Robbers are in Spain, while rivals Chiefs have pitched camp in the mild, damp, and windy Netherlands. Head coach Miguel Cardosa is mindful that Sundowns have less than three weeks to prepare for their MTM8 quarter finals clash against Richards Bay FC on August 3.
But all indications indicate that Sundowns will continue where they left off – grinding victory after victory, if the form book is anything to go by.
They ended the season on a high note, comfortably and easily taking the bacon and Betway Premiership title home.
Sundowns are expected to begin their defence of their league championship on August 9. On this day, at Buffalo City Stadium, East London, they will face Chippa United.
The Mamelodi outfit will be ready, fresh from their impressive showing in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.
Against Borussia Dortmund in the World Cup, they were impressive, losing a closely contested battle by a narrow 4-3 margin.
On August 9, newcomers, Orbit College, will be pitted against AmaZulu. Whether the debutants will survive the rigours of the league, will be determined by how they shape up against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban.
Polokwane City-Magesi FC clash takes place the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane (August9), while at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex, Richards Bay will host Marumo Gallants (August 9)
Orlando Pirates will be home to Sekhukhune United. The game is schedule for August 9.
New outfit in the PSL Siwelele FC, who acquired SuperSport United’s status in the top tier, will host Golden Arrows at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. The clash is on August 9.
Sunday, August 10, will see TS Galaxy facing newcomers Durban City at Mbombela Stadium, Mpumalanga.
Kaizer Chiefs will be away to Stellenbosch FC. The game is schedule for Athlone Stadium.
While most PSL teams have begun with preparations for the 2025/26 season, Sundowns continue to enjoy their holidays.
They are expected to be back for pre-season training on July 21 and will play their first competitive game on August 3 when they face Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
