Fresh from unveiling their new PUMA home and away kits for the 2026/27 season, both featuring two stars to celebrate the Club’s second CAF Champions League title, Mamelodi Sundowns now turn their attention to domestic action.
After launching the “Shine on Masandawana” home kit and the “Fueled by the Sun” away kit, the Brazilians begin their new campaign on Saturday when they host Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Lucas Moripe Stadium, aiming to carry their continental success into domestic competition.
The fixture marks the beginning of what promises to be another exciting campaign for the Brazilians, who will be looking to translate last season’s CAF Champions League success into domestic cup glory after failing to win the MTN8 since 2021.
Following Saturday’s knockout encounter, Sundowns immediately switch focus to the Betway Premiership with fixtures against TS Galaxy, Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, AmaZulu, Milford FC and Golden Arrows in a hectic opening month.
Although this will be their first competitive match of the 2026/27 season, Miguel Cardoso’s men head into the contest in high spirits after a successful pre-season training camp in Austria, where they rounded off preparations with a convincing 7-0 victory over Qatari outfit Al-Sailiya.
Their opponents, however, already have competitive minutes under their belts. Polokwane City opened their league campaign with a 2-1 away victory over Richards Bay and will hope that momentum can inspire an upset against the reigning African champions.
Despite Sundowns’ status as favourites, defender Aubrey Modiba has warned against underestimating Rise and Shine, especially given the unpredictable nature of knockout football.
“Preparations have been going very well. The mood in the camp has been positive and everyone is excited to get the season started again. We know what is expected of us every year at this Club, so we have been working hard to make sure we are ready from the very first match.”
The Limpopo-born defender admits facing his hometown club always adds extra emotion to the occasion.
“Playing against Polokwane City is always special for me because it is my home team. We played them in this competition a few seasons ago and that match went all the way, so we understand exactly how difficult these games can be. Cup football is completely different because anything can happen over 90 minutes. Every team believes they have a chance, so we know it is not going to be easy. We have to respect them, stay focused and make sure we perform at our best.”
Having recently been part of the South African squad that made history by reaching the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time, Modiba believes the experience has left both him and his teammates better equipped for another demanding campaign with Sundowns.
“The experience we gained from playing in a tournament of that magnitude is something you cannot really teach. Competing against some of the best teams in the world challenges you in every aspect of your game, both mentally and physically. We want to bring those lessons back to the Club and make sure we are all on the same page as we prepare for another long season.”
With the Brazilians expected to compete on multiple fronts once again, Modiba acknowledged the physical and mental demands of the modern game.
“Modern football requires you to play more than 50 games in a season if you are competing for every trophy. Everyone in the squad has to be ready because every player will be called upon at some stage. Recovery, preparation and maintaining the right mentality become just as important as what you do on the pitch.”
While the Club’s second CAF Champions League triumph remains a landmark achievement, Modiba says the squad is determined to add domestic silverware to their continental success.
“We have had those conversations as a group because we know we have not won the local cup competitions as consistently as we would have liked. Winning the CAF Champions League was a massive achievement, but we cannot win Africa’s biggest prize and then fall short in the MTN8. It has been a while since we lifted this trophy and we want to change that. At Sundowns, every competition matters because we are expected to challenge for every trophy.”
The newly unveiled Club crest, now bearing two stars to commemorate Sundowns’ two CAF Champions League titles, serves as an added source of motivation for the players.
“To be part of this history is something very special. When you sign for Mamelodi Sundowns, you understand the responsibility that comes with wearing this badge. We play for that history every time we step onto the field. Hopefully we can add even more stars to the jersey because those are the moments every player dreams about.”
With the new season now underway, Modiba says the focus is firmly on making a strong start and rewarding the Club’s supporters with another memorable campaign, beginning with Saturday’s MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City.
