Mamelodi Sundowns is a professional South African football club that plays in the Premier Soccer League. The team is based in Mamelodi, Pretoria, and was founded in the 1970s. The club has won 17 league championships in total, making it one of the most successful teams in South African football history.
Mamelodi Sundowns is known for its strong team identity, which is built around a culture of hard work, dedication, and discipline. The club’s management and ownership are committed to providing the best possible resources and support to the team, including top-notch coaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and a talented player roster.
The team has a strong track record of success, having won numerous domestic and international competitions over the years. In addition to its on-field success, Mamelodi Sundowns is also known for its community and social impact, with a number of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people in the local community.
Mamelodi Sundowns History
Founding
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club was founded in the 1970s in Mamelodi, Pretoria, South Africa. The team plays its home games in the Loftus Versfeld Stadium and is currently a member of the Premier Soccer League, the top tier of the South African football league system.
Notable Achievements
Mamelodi Sundowns have a rich history of success, having won 17 League Championships in total, including 7 since the 2014-2015 season. In addition, they have won the CAF Champions League, the top club competition in Africa, twice, in 2016 and 2021. They have also won the CAF Super Cup twice, in 2017 and 2021.
Historical Figures
Mamelodi Sundowns has seen many great players and coaches throughout its history. Some notable historical figures include:
- Pitso Mosimane: The former coach who led the team to many of its recent successes, including the CAF Champions League victories.
- Percy Tau: A former player who helped the team win the CAF Champions League in 2016. He went on to play for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.
- Anthony Laffor: A former player who played for the team for many years and was instrumental in many of its successes.
Mamelodi Sundowns has a rich history of success and has established itself as one of the top football clubs in Africa.
Team Identity
Colors and Badge
Mamelodi Sundowns’ official colors are yellow and blue. They wear yellow shirts with blue shorts and yellow socks as their home kit, while their away kit is blue shirts with yellow shorts and blue socks. The team’s badge features a stylized yellow circle with a blue “M” in the center, surrounded by the team name in blue letters. The badge has undergone several changes over the years, but the current design has been in use since 2013.
Nicknames
Mamelodi Sundowns are commonly known as “The Brazilians” due to their yellow and blue kit, which resembles the colors of the Brazilian national team. The nickname was first coined in the 1970s when the team’s kit was changed to yellow and blue, and it has stuck ever since. The team is also sometimes referred to as “Sundowns” or “The Downs” for short.
Supporters
Mamelodi Sundowns have a large and passionate fanbase, with supporters all over South Africa and beyond. The team has a particularly strong following in the townships of Mamelodi and Atteridgeville, where many of the team’s players come from. The team’s supporters are known for their colorful displays and chants during matches, and they often travel in large numbers to away games to support the team. The team has an official supporters club, known as “Masandawana”, which means “The Sundowns Family” in isiZulu.
Mamelodi Sundowns Management and Ownership
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club has a well-structured management team that oversees the day-to-day operations of the club. The team is led by the President, Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe, who is one of South Africa’s most successful and well-known entrepreneurs [1]. He bought a 51% share in the club in 2004 and later took total ownership. Under his ownership, the club has grown to become one of the most successful football clubs in South Africa.
The management team also includes several other key individuals such as Mr. Yogesh Singh, who is the Executive: Legal & Commercial [1]. Mr. Jacob Molusi is the Financial Manager, and Ms. Belinda Ndlovu is the Administration Manager. The team also includes Mr. Daniel Mudau and Mr. Cedric Moela, who are the Supporter Co-ordination Managers. Mr. Graham Smith is the Security & Facilities Manager, and Mr. Shupi Nkgadima is the Communications Manager [1].
The Sundowns management team has been instrumental in the club’s success, both on and off the field. They have built a strong team that has won numerous titles both domestically and on the continent. The management team has also been responsible for the club’s financial stability, ensuring that the club is well-funded and able to attract top talent.
In summary, the management team and ownership of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club have played a crucial role in the club’s success. Under the leadership of Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe, the club has become one of the most successful football clubs in South Africa. The management team has also been instrumental in the club’s success, both on and off the field, and has been responsible for the club’s financial stability.
[1] Mamelodi Sundowns | Official Website
Coaching Staff
Head Coach
Mamelodi Sundowns’ current head coach is Rulani Mokwena. He was appointed as the head coach in October 2022, following the departure of his predecessor, Manqoba Mngqithi. Mokwena is a young and promising coach, born on January 9, 1987, who started his professional coaching career in the youth systems at Silver Stars. He then served as an assistant manager at Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates before being promoted to head coach. Mokwena is known for his tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players.
Assistant Coaches
Mamelodi Sundowns has a team of assistant coaches who work closely with head coach Rulani Mokwena. The assistant coaches include:
- Wendell Robinson, who serves as the goalkeeping coach.
- Sibusiso Mahlangu, who is the fitness coach.
- Michael Loftman, who is the technical coach.
Each assistant coach brings a unique skill set and perspective to the team, helping to create a well-rounded coaching staff. Together, they work with the players to develop and execute game plans, analyze opponents, and improve overall team performance.
Overall, Mamelodi Sundowns’ coaching staff is a talented and experienced group of individuals who are dedicated to helping the team succeed. With their guidance and leadership, the team is well-positioned to continue its winning ways and achieve even greater success in the future.
Player Roster
Key Players
Mamelodi Sundowns is known for having a strong and talented squad, with several key players who have made significant contributions to the team’s success. One of the most important players on the squad is Denis Onyango, the team’s goalkeeper. Onyango has been with the team since 2011 and has played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them win several league titles and the CAF Champions League.
Another key player for Mamelodi Sundowns is Themba Zwane, a midfielder who has been with the team since 2011. Zwane is known for his excellent ball control and passing ability, and has been a major contributor to the team’s success in recent years. He was named the PSL Footballer of the Season in 2018/19 and has been a regular member of the South African national team.
Youth Academy
Mamelodi Sundowns has a strong youth academy that has produced several talented players who have gone on to play for the first team. The academy is known for its emphasis on developing young talent and giving them opportunities to showcase their skills. One of the most successful graduates of the academy is Percy Tau, who has gone on to play for several top teams in Europe, including Brighton & Hove Albion.
Other notable graduates of the Mamelodi Sundowns youth academy include Keagan Dolly, Bongani Zungu, and Khama Billiat. These players have all gone on to have successful careers both in South Africa and abroad, and are a testament to the quality of the youth development program at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Stadium and Facilities
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club plays its home games in two stadiums, Lucas Moripe Stadium and Loftus Versfeld Stadium, both located in Pretoria, Gauteng province of South Africa.
Lucas Moripe Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 28,900 spectators. It is located in Atteridgeville, a suburb of Pretoria. The stadium was named after former local soccer player Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe. The stadium is currently the part-time home stadium of Mamelodi Sundowns. The stadium has hosted several international football games, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Loftus Versfeld Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 51,762 spectators. It is located in the suburb of Arcadia, also in Pretoria. The stadium is the home of the Blue Bulls rugby union team and the Mamelodi Sundowns team. The stadium has hosted several international football games, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns has a state-of-the-art training facility located in Chloorkop, a suburb of Kempton Park in Gauteng. The facility includes training fields, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and medical facilities. The club also has a youth academy that provides training and development for young football players.
Overall, Mamelodi Sundowns has access to top-quality stadiums and facilities that allow the team to train and play at the highest level.
Competitions and Performance
Domestic Leagues
Mamelodi Sundowns is a South African professional football club that plays in the Premier Soccer League, the first tier of South African football league system. The team has a long history of success in the domestic league, having won 11 Premier Soccer League titles, including the 2023-2024 season. They have also won the National Soccer League championship three times and the National Premier Soccer League championship twice.
In the 2023-2024 season, Mamelodi Sundowns had a strong performance in the Premier Soccer League, finishing at the top of the table with 68 points. They won 20 matches, drew 8, and lost only 2. The team scored a total of 61 goals and conceded 25, resulting in a goal difference of +36.
Continental Tournaments
Mamelodi Sundowns has also had success in continental tournaments. They have won the CAF Champions League, the top club competition in Africa, twice, in 2016 and 2021. In addition, they have won the CAF Super Cup, which pits the winners of the Champions League against the winners of the CAF Confederation Cup, twice, in 2017 and 2022.
In the 2023-2024 season, Mamelodi Sundowns participated in the CAF Champions League. They advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Wydad Casablanca. The team won 4 matches, drew 1, and lost 1 in the group stage, scoring a total of 10 goals and conceding 5. In the quarterfinals, they lost both legs to Wydad Casablanca, with a total score of 2-1.
Overall, Mamelodi Sundowns has a strong record of success in both domestic and continental competitions. They are a formidable force in South African football and have established themselves as a top club in Africa.
Community and Social Impact
Mamelodi Sundowns is not just a football club, but also a community-focused organization that is committed to creating positive social change. The club understands the importance of giving back to the community and has implemented various initiatives to achieve this goal.
One of the club’s most significant community outreach programs is the Annual Champions Charity Cup. This initiative was launched by the Mamelodi Sundowns Foundation in 2022 with the aim of supporting and empowering community-based organizations in South Africa. The handover of the award in 2023 was a huge success, and the club plans to continue this tradition in the future.
Beyond the Annual Champions Charity Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns has also ventured into the heart of communities on Nelson Mandela Day. The club’s chairman, Tlhopane Motsepe, led the team in spreading love and unity in the spirit of shared purpose. These moments underscore the significance of using the power of sport to create lasting change in the lives of people.
Moreover, the club focuses on giving back in three key areas: football development, education, and health. The Mamelodi Sundowns Academy provides opportunities for young footballers to develop their skills and be scouted for professional teams. The club also supports education through various programs, such as providing bursaries for underprivileged students. In terms of health, the club has partnered with various organizations to promote healthy living and fight against HIV/AIDS.
In conclusion, Mamelodi Sundowns is a football club that goes beyond the pitch to make a positive impact on society. Through its community outreach programs, the club is committed to creating lasting change in the lives of people and empowering communities to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns?
The current head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns is Rulani Mokwena, who took over from Manqoba Mngqithi in July 2021. Mokwena previously worked as an assistant coach at Orlando Pirates and Chippa United before joining Sundowns in 2020.
What are the latest transfer rumors involving Mamelodi Sundowns players?
As of the current date, there are no confirmed transfer rumors involving Mamelodi Sundowns players. However, the transfer window is open and it is possible that the club may make some signings or sales in the coming weeks.
How can I buy tickets for the next Mamelodi Sundowns match?
Tickets for Mamelodi Sundowns matches can be purchased online through the club’s official website or at the stadium on match day. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as matches can sell out quickly.
Which Mamelodi Sundowns player has made the most appearances for the club?
The player with the most appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns is Denis Onyango, who played as a goalkeeper for the club from 2011 to 2021. During his time at Sundowns, Onyango made 276 appearances and won numerous domestic and continental titles with the club.
What is the capacity of the stadium where Mamelodi Sundowns play their home games?
Mamelodi Sundowns play their home games at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, which has a seating capacity of 51,762. The stadium is also used by other teams in the city, including SuperSport United and Blue Bulls rugby team.
What achievements has Mamelodi Sundowns secured in the past five years?
In the past five years, Mamelodi Sundowns has won numerous domestic and continental titles, including the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) title four times, the Telkom Knockout Cup twice, and the Nedbank Cup once. The club has also won the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup during this period, cementing its status as one of the top teams in Africa.
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