Sundowns Kickstart the Season with Continental and Domestic Ambitions

SUNDOWNS KICKSTART THE SEASON WITH CONTINENTAL AND DOMESTIC AMBITIONS

Author: NJ Hove

As the dust settles on the off-season, September heralds the much-anticipated return of Club football, and for Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s a month brimming with both continental and domestic challenges. With the pursuit of a second CAF Champions League title and the defence of their PSL crown on the horizon, Masandawana are gearing up for a thrilling start to the 2024/2025 season. This month will see the Brazilians dive headfirst into a series of high-stakes fixtures, both in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and the Betway Premiership.

September also ushers in the arrival of spring in South Africa, creating a great ambiance perfect for stadium experiences. As supporters flock to the stadium to back Bafana Ba Style, the combination of new beginnings on the pitch and the refreshing spring air will make for a perfect atmosphere for the start of the season.

The Quest for Continental Glory Begins
After last season's heart-wrenching semi-final exit, Masandawana will resume their journey in the second preliminary round against Eswatini Premier League champions, Mbabane Swallows FC. This two-legged tie promises to be a crucial step toward the group stages. Mbabane Swallows, who upset Mozambican champions Ferroviario Beira 1-0 on aggregate in the first round, will be no easy task. Sundowns will need to bring their A-game to secure their place in the group stages and keep their continental dreams alive.Both matches will be played in Atteridgeville at the Lucas Moripe Stadium with Mbabane Swallows hosting the first game on Saturday the 14 and the second leg scheduled for the following Saturda (21st), hosted by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Peter Shalulile celebrates after scoring against TP Mazembe during the 2023/2024 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

A New Betway Premiership Campaign Gets Underway
The domestic season kicks off with a highly anticipated Tshwane Derby as Sundowns face SuperSport United at Loftus on the 17th of September. This season marks a new era as the league transitions from the DSTV Premiership to the Betway Premiership, with Betway becoming the new naming rights holder and main sponsor. Last season, Masandawana won one and drew the other fixture against their local rivals. This match not only signifies the start of Sundowns' title defence but also celebrates the league’s new partnership. Sundowns aim to set the tone early and demonstrate their intent to dominate once again, pursuing a record-breaking 8th consecutive PSL title.

Welcome New Rivals!
On Matchday 2, of the Betway Premiership, Mamelodi Sundowns will host Marumo Gallants. Gallants make their return to the Premier League after their participation in the Motsepe Foundation Premiership and consecuently purchasing the status of Moroko, they are not to be underestimated. Sundowns will look to assert their dominance and continue their strong start to the season in front of their home fans.

A Clash of Titans………. A date with Amakhosi
September closes with a blockbuster encounter as the Brazilians travel to face one of their biggest rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. This fixture is always a highlight of the season, and last year’s encounter on the 2nd of May, which saw Masandawana clinching the 7th title, was nothing short of spectacular. A six-goal thriller saw Masandawana triumph 5-1 after a goalless first half. This match promises to be another epic battle, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights and inspire supporters for the rest of the season.

Building Momentum in Heritage Month……….
As September unfolds, Sundowns will be focused on building momentum both domestically and continentally. With a mix of familiar foes and new challenges, this month will set the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season. As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, honouring its rich cultural diversity and history, Sundowns will embody this spirit by showcasing the strength and unity that define the team’s culture. Fans can look forward to a blend of high-stakes football, intense rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of glory, all while embracing the heritage and pride that comes with representing the nation on both local and continental stages.

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