Mamelodi Sundowns have to overcome off-field drama to secure CAF progression

Mamelodi Sundowns will have their tails up when they host MC Alger in a must-win CAF Champions League group-stage clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (kickoff 3pm), despite the outside noise that has surrounded the club in recent weeks.

Sundowns were regarded as one of the favourites for the Champions League this season following their upward trajectory, which includes winning eight consecutive league titles, reaching last season’s continental final, and impressing at the Club World Cup.

However, they have failed to live up to expectations. Performances have dipped and results have been inconsistent; in the group stage, they have managed just one win, drawn three matches, and lost one since the start of the campaign.

As a result of that underwhelming run, they head into their final Group C clash against Alger with coach Miguel Cardoso fully aware that this could be a make-or-break match for both the team and his tenure. The Brazilians currently sit third in the group with six points, trailing Rulani Mokwena’s Alger (7) and leaders Al Hilal (8). Only a victory on Saturday will guarantee Sundowns a spot in the quarter-finals.

Cardoso is also under mounting pressure following reports that senior analyst Mario Masha was suspended this week for allegedly sharing training information and footage with former Sundowns coach Mokwena, who now leads the Algerian side.

Despite the possibility of failing to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time since 2018, defender Grant Kekana insists the squad remains focused and positive. Speaking at the Nedbank Cup last-16 draw on Wednesday night, where Sundowns were paired with TS Galaxy, he emphasised the team’s mindset heading into the clash in the nation's capital.

“I don’t think we’ll be pessimistic about it. We’ll try to look at the game positively and try to get a positive result,” Kekana said. “We don’t want anything else. That’s the mindset that we have, and the one we’ll have on Saturday.”

Reflecting on their group-stage campaign, Kekana believes attention to detail will be crucial. “We need to pay attention to the small details,” he said. “I think throughout the group stage that’s what let us down — just small details during games. It hasn’t been a big difference, but it affected the results. So on Saturday, it’ll be the little details that we need to focus on and make sure we apply ourselves correctly.”

Mokwena’s return to Loftus adds another layer of intrigue. Having previously led Sundowns to great success, his reunion with former players comes at a delicate time given the stakes and the off-field saga. Kekana acknowledged the emotional element but stressed that professionalism must prevail.

“We are grown men, and obviously we appreciate all that he has done for us and the club,” Kekana said. “He’ll always have a special place in our hearts, but we know what’s at stake on Saturday. Throughout the 90 minutes, there’ll be none of that — just Mamelodi Sundowns trying to get a positive result. Hopefully, we can shake hands after the game.”

The internal controversy and the necessity of victory have intensified the pressure on Sundowns, who have also seen Orlando Pirates dominate much of the domestic proceedings this season. Kekana, however, views the competition as natural.

“Every season teams improve, and Pirates have improved over the past few seasons,” he said. “But we know ourselves — where we need to be and what we need to do. This little dip we had was good for us to some extent. It brought us together and reminded us what it takes to play for Sundowns.”