A Golden Sweep: Mamelodi Sundowns Academy Dominates GDL 2025

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A Golden Sweep:

Mamelodi Sundowns Academy Dominates GDL 2025

Author: John Aliu

As the year draws to a close and the festive spirit takes over Chloorkop, Mamelodi Sundowns has unwrapped the perfect Christmas gift — a historic clean sweep across all Gauteng Development League (GDL) divisions.

From the Under-13 to Under-19 teams — excluding the newly introduced Under-14 division — every age group secured top honours, bringing the campaign to a glittering finish. The coaches reflected on the journey behind this success, the growth of their players and the meaning of the holiday season, adding a warm and personal touch to a year already filled with triumph.

Under-13 GDL Champions — Coach Lunga Nobela

The youngest Brazilians ended the season the way children dream of starting Christmas morning — with a trophy wrapped in gold. They finished the season with 25 wins and 4 draws in 30 games, scoring 112 goals while conceding only 14.

Coach Lunga Nobela described winning the 2025 Under-13 GDL title as a moment that truly reflects how far the young side has come.

“The boys worked very hard throughout the season, always pushing themselves to improve and staying committed to the process. We also extend our gratitude to Mamelodi Sundowns for providing opportunities that allowed the boys to grow, even beyond our local environment. That exposure played a big role in their development.”

When speaking about the key factors behind their consistency, Nobela emphasised the team’s remarkable commitment:
“What made the difference this season was their focus and determination. They showed up ready to work, maintained a positive attitude even under pressure and consistently applied what they learned in training. That kind of commitment set the foundation for the team’s success. Beyond their individual effort, the way they supported each other, celebrated small victories and learned from setbacks created a strong team culture.”

Festive Season Plans:

“It was a long season, so I plan to spend time with family, enjoy a lunch and celebrate together.”

Most Memorable Christmas/New Year:

“A New Year’s Eve spent with my late brother. He drove all the way from Vaal to visit me in Pretoria. — a moment I always think of fondly. From that day onwards, we sang from the same hymn sheet.”

Favourite Holiday Song, Movie, and Meal:

• Song: I enjoy listening to Benjamin Dube. One of his songs – Omusa Ongaka, inspired by Acts 2:38, resonates with me and serves as a reminder that pride and ego can lead one away from God.
• Movie: Facing the Giants — teaches never to give up and to take responsibility for your decisions.
• Meal: Tripe and samp, along with dumplings and other traditional dishes.

Under-15 GDL Champions — Coach Mark Mayambela

Coach Mark Mayambela joined Mamelodi Sundowns in August and quickly began imprinting his philosophy. In just a few months, he led the Under-15 GDL team to the championship — his first title with the Brazilians and a fitting early Christmas reward for his dedication and vision.

His team finished with 30 wins and 3 draws in 34 games, scoring 144 goals and amassing 93 points.

“It is a special moment for me. Winning a title so early shows the positive direction we are heading in. The football we played stood out and watching the boys grow throughout the season was incredibly rewarding. The academy’s leadership, the Club’s support and the players’ commitment all played a big part in this achievement. For me, the most meaningful part was seeing the players trust the process, embrace the philosophy and mature both on and off the field.”

Coach Mayambela also highlighted the influence of Sam Mbatha, the Academy’s Head of Technical, and Paulo Cardoso, the Head of Academy:
“The workmanship established by the leadership is something I value. They guide us well, provide clarity and keep everyone aligned with the same goal and ambition. They have created a player-centred environment that develops not only athletes but also well-rounded individuals. Their leadership strengthens the structure, sets clear expectations and offers consistent support.”

Festive Season Plans:

“I am looking forward to spending time with loved ones, sharing good meals and appreciating the year we have had.”

Most Memorable Christmas/New Year:

“I always think of my grandparents during Christmas. We would gather for traditional ceremonies, honouring our ancestors and sharing a big family meal. Those moments shaped how I grew up. Whenever the festive season comes around, those memories always come back.”

Favourite Holiday Song, Movie, and Meal:

“I do not really have a favourite song or movie for the festive season. For me, it is the traditional Christmas meal that stands out — the colours, the flavours, the chicken or the lamb. The food brings back more memories than anything else.”

Under-17 GDL Champions — Coach Selekedi “SLK” Mogale

For Coach Selekedi Mogale, winning this year’s Under-17 title marked his fifth championship in three years, an extraordinary run that underscores his consistency, ambition and the Mamelodi Sundowns way.

His team finished with 25 wins and 5 draws in 34 games, scoring 91 goals and collecting 80 points. On the most rewarding aspects of his role, Mogale said:
“It has been fulfilling to see the bonds get stronger and the chemistry improve as the season went on. You could see the boys starting to understand each other better, trust each other more and carry themselves with confidence. Watching them dominate games the way they did was special. I thank the boys — this title is a reward for their hard work, discipline and the belief they showed throughout the season. Moments like these remind me why I love coaching.”

On his approach to developing his team’s readiness for senior-level challenges, Coach Selekedi emphasised the importance of mindset and daily standards.

“We have been focusing on their mental and emotional maturity because stepping closer to senior football requires more than just talent. They need to be at their best every day, even in training. Their first competitor is not the player in a different jersey — it is the version of themselves they were yesterday. Each player must push to improve, grow and take responsibility for their development.”

Festive Season Plans:

“I will be home with my family, taking some downtime to rest, reconnect and reflect on the year.”

Most Memorable Christmas/New Year:

“There was a year when we all gathered at my aunt’s house with my cousins. It was all fireworks and laughter — no responsibilities, no bills, just us being kids. I remember it very fondly.”

Favourite Holiday Song, Movie, and Meal:

• Song: TKZee – We Love This Place
• Movie: Chucky or A Nightmare on Elm Street — “My cousins loved scaring us; we spent half the time hiding under blankets.”
• Meal: Braai meat always reminds me of the festive season.

Under-19 GDL Champions — Coach Kristopher Bergman

The oldest group in the academy wrapped up the clean sweep in style, guided by Coach Kristopher Bergman, who joined the Club at the start of the year.
In his debut season, he led the Under-19 GDL team to the title, finishing with 25 wins in 34 games, scoring 99 goals and amassing 80 points.

“Personally, it feels incredibly rewarding to see that the hard work, consistency and attention to detail throughout the season, under both good and challenging circumstances, has paid off. While winning the league is gratifying, my primary responsibility remains preparing and producing players for the Diski team and ultimately the first team. This year, we successfully promoted eight players to the Diski squad who were not previously part of it. But what made this league win truly special was seeing the players’ faces when they lifted the trophy — that moment will stay with me.”

Reflecting on Sundowns’ youth development culture, Bergman said:
“The biggest lesson I have learned since joining is that, at the youth level, individual development can at times be more important than team results. We still use the team structure and matches as the main reference point, but the focus on personal growth is very clear. Sundowns’ culture emphasizes that there is always room for improvement and we never allow positive results to mask areas that need work. It is an environment that challenges everyone to do more, while still celebrating achievements along the way.”

Festive Season Plans:

“It is a time to relax, reflect on the year’s achievements and recharge for the year ahead. Sharing meals, laughter and simple moments is what makes this period special for me.”

Most Memorable Christmas/New Year:

“My most memorable Christmas was the one I spent with my father two years ago, shortly before his passing. That Christmas serves as a reminder to appreciate the time we have with our parents, guardians and loved ones. Those moments become your fondest memories when you look back.”

Favourite Holiday Song, Movie, and Meal:

• Song: Dreams — Fleetwood Mac
• Movie: Home Alone
• Meal: A Christmas roast — especially the lamb and my family’s roast potatoes

In addition to their GDL triumphs, the Club’s Under-12 side claimed the Rand Central LFA U12 Cup, rounding off a remarkable year for Mamelodi Sundowns across all age groups. This festive season, the Brazilians are not just celebrating Christmas—they are celebrating history!

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