Mamelodi Sundowns and Africa Cup of Nations: A Journey Through the Years

Mamelodi Sundowns and Africa Cup of Nations:

A Journey Through the Years

Author: John Aliu

Did you know that Mamelodi Sundowns has proudly contributed players to every South African squad at the Africa Cup of Nations since the nation’s debut in 1996?

Let us take a journey through the editions and celebrate the impact Sundowns players have had on South Africa’s continental campaigns.

Goalkeeper Roger De Sa

1996 – Fairy-Tale Debut in South Africa

South Africa’s debut at the Africa Cup of Nations was nothing short of a fairy tale, with Sundowns players playing a central role in the triumph. Goalkeeper Roger De Sa, defenders Sizwe Motaung and midfielder Linda Buthelezi provided stability and leadership, while midfielder Zane Moosa and forward Daniel Mudau added creativity and firepower. Buthelezi featured in the final as South Africa defeated Tunisia 2-0, marking a perfect start to Sundowns’ enduring contribution to national glory.

Alex Bapela

1998 – Burkina Faso: Narrow Miss in the Final

Two years later, Alex Bapela and Themba Mnguni represented South Africa as the nation reached the final once again. Despite a strong campaign, South Africa fell 2-0 to Egypt, yet Sundowns’ presence underscored the Club’s continued contribution of top-tier talent to the national team.

Daniel Mudau

2000 – Hosted by Ghana/Nigeria: Podium Finish

Sundowns’ contribution remained strong, with Frank Schoeman, Daniel Mudau, John Tlale, Alex Bapela and Isaac Shai featuring prominently. South Africa secured a third-place finish after a tense penalty shootout against Tunisia, with Bapela converting his spot-kick in a 4-3 win following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Their teammate, Raphael Chukwu, was part of the Nigeria national team, adding further Sundowns representation on the continental stage.

Matthew Booth

2002 – Mali: Quarterfinal Challenges

Matthew Booth and Bennett Mnguni carried the Sundowns banner as South Africa advanced to the quarterfinals. Their campaign ended with a 2-0 loss to Mali, but both players departed with their heads held high.

André Arendse

2004 – Rebuilding in Tunisia

Goalkeeper André Arendse represented South Africa during a challenging group-stage campaign, with the team finishing third in a group that included Morocco, Nigeria and Benin.

Peter Ndlovu

2006 – Tough Campaign in Egypt

Vuyo Mere featured for South Africa, while Zimbabwean Sundowns stars Esrom Nyandoro and Peter Ndlovu showcased the Club’s influence beyond South African borders. Although both Bafana Bafana and the Warriors of Zimbabwe finished at the bottom of their groups, Sundowns players demonstrated commitment and quality throughout.

Lerato Chabangu

2008 – Continental Experience in Ghana

Mamelodi Sundowns stars Surprise Moriri, Benson Mhlongo and Lerato Chabangu represented South Africa as the team faced stiff competition. Despite finishing at the bottom of Group D, which included Tunisia, Angola and Senegal, the players gained valuable experience to build on for the future.

Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands

2013 – Quarterfinal Heartbreak on Home Soil

Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands and striker Katlego Mphela featured in the South African squad that reached the quarterfinals against Mali. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, but Mali triumphed 3-1 in the penalty shootout, leaving Bafana Bafana with a bitter exit on home soil.

Bongani Zungu

2015 – Continued Presence in Equatorial Guinea

Kennedy Mweene represented Zambia, while Sundowns midfielders Bongani Zungu and Themba Zwane featured for South Africa. Although neither team progressed beyond the group stages, Sundowns’ presence on the continental stage continued to highlight the Club’s significant influence.

Sibusiso Vilakazi

2019 – Key Contributors in Egypt

Denis Onyango captained Uganda, while Sundowns forwards Lebohang Maboe and midfielders Themba Zwane, Tiyani Mabunda, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Hlompho Kekana played pivotal roles for South Africa. Bafana Bafana reached the quarterfinals but narrowly lost 2-1 to Nigeria.

Grant Kekana

2023 – Ivory Coast (Held in 2024): Record-Breaking Influence

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (held in 2024) saw Mamelodi Sundowns set a new benchmark, with 11 players representing their countries. Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena were named in the tournament’s Best XI, while other South African contributors included Aubrey Modiba, Terrence Mashego, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena, Thapelo Maseko and Themba Zwane. Peter Shalulile captained Namibia, highlighting Sundowns’ continental influence. Zwane scored twice against Namibia, Mokoena netted in the 2-0 win over Morocco and Williams saved four penalties as South Africa reached the semifinals, ultimately finishing third after a shootout victory over DR Congo.

2025 – Morocco: Multinational Representation Continues

Familiar faces return to the Bafana Bafana squad for Group D action: Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau and captain Ronwen Williams. Joining them is the newest AFCON debutant, Bathusi Aubaas, who has been a regular in South Africa’s squad throughout the qualifiers. Denis Onyango has come out of retirement to support the Ugandan Cranes, while the brave Warriors of Zimbabwe, also in Group D, feature Sundowns’ Divine Lunga on the left wing.

Lunga is set to face his Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Khuliso Mudau once again at AFCON, after the two sides already met twice in this year’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

From 1996 to date, Mamelodi Sundowns has consistently contributed players to the Africa Cup of Nations, helping shape national teams and supporting the growth of African football. While results have varied over the years, the Club’s ongoing focus on developing talent and nurturing players at every level remains a steady commitment, ensuring that both the Club and the continent continue to benefit from a strong foundation for the future.

Staying Sharp: Sundowns Stars Share Their Festive Fitness Plans

Celebrity vs Supporter

Fun & Trivia

Zaid April Secures His Maiden Mamelodi Sundowns Esports Championship Title

Tsiki Ntsabeleng’s Homecoming: Creativity and Dynamism for Sundowns’ Midfield

Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine

Categories

Social Footprints