Thomas Kwenaite on Decades of Sundowns’ Dominance and the Second Star
Author: John AliuVeteran journalist, broadcaster and African football analyst Thomas Kwenaite has watched Mamelodi Sundowns rise from an ambitious township dream to a continental superpower. Few storytellers have witnessed the Club’s evolution as closely — or as passionately — as he has. From the electric 1980s to the glory-soaked present, he has seen every era, every reinvention and every star forged in yellow.
So when Masandawana clinched their historic 2026 CAF Champions League title, securing the long‑awaited second star, Kwenaite knew he was witnessing more than a victory. He was witnessing destiny fulfilled.
“This is a colossal moment and a tremendous boost to South African football. It shows that the Betway Premiership is one of the most competitive leagues on the continent. It is not only a victory for Mamelodi Sundowns but for South African football as a whole. For the supporters, it has been one of the longest waits, but now they can celebrate another continental title. The team, the manager, the technical staff and the supporters – the 12th man – all deserve recognition for what has been achieved.”

Kwenaite’s connection to Sundowns stretches back to the days when the Club was still carving out its identity.

“I watched Sundowns transform from ambition to dominance. I saw the club in 1985, winning promotion to the Premier League under the ownership of Dr. Bonny Sebotsane, Dr. Motsiri Itsweng and Joseph Ntshimane Kekana. When Zola Mahobe bought the Club in 1985, he lit a fire that never went out. I remember the 1986 Mainstay Cup final against Jomo Cosmos, the Screamer Tshabalala era — may his soul rest in peace — and the trophies that followed. The Rothmans Cup. The rise under the Krok brothers, the Tsichlas family and then the Motsepe era, which elevated Sundowns to the summit of African football.”

With the foundations that were laid decades ago, the veteran broadcaster believes the present generation has picked up the baton and continues to excel. “I call this current crop the golden generation. It is remarkable to have won the league eight consecutive times and during that period, they also lifted the CAF Champions League in 2016. We also saw how they performed at the FIFA Club World Cup last year, going toe‑to‑toe with the world’s best and never looking out of place. It shows how the Club has grown over the years and is now one of the top clubs in world football.”
The seasoned journalist knows better than most that conquering Africa is never simple, as it requires far more than talent.
“The CAF Champions League is tough. Travel is brutal — sometimes you fly out of Africa just to get back in, thus you need to charter when necessary and that requires financial support. You face logistical challenges, hostile crowds and physical football. You need talent, yes, but also character, resilience, mental steel and the will to overcome any challenge and win.”
Those qualities were on full display in the final against AS FAR, “What impressed me most was their composure. Finals make teams panic, but Sundowns stayed true to their identity. They were disciplined in Pretoria and courageous in Morocco. When AS FAR scored, there was no fear. Teboho Mokoena’s goal showed belief, while Ronwen Williams’ penalty save showed mental strength. This was no fluke. They earned that star.”

Beyond the celebrations, the African football expert sees a bigger opportunity for Southern African football.

“It is time for SADC to create a regional club tournament through COSAFA. Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini all have strong teams. I believe regular competition will raise standards. CECAFA has done it in East Africa and Southern Africa needs its own version.”

For the veteran football voice, the true significance of the second star will become even clearer with time.
“What makes great clubs truly great is their ability to leave a legacy across generations. Supporters who celebrated in 2016 now have another historic chapter to cherish, while younger fans have witnessed a defining moment of their own. This second star is more than a trophy – it is a symbol of excellence, ambition and sustained success.”

With a record 10 African nations playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kwenaite believes the continent is ready to shock the world.

“All 10 African countries have a fighting chance. Morocco, Ghana and Senegal will be among the continent's strongest contenders, but I also believe DR Congo and Cape Verde can do very well. I believe South Africa will surprise many because seventy percent of the squad is domestic‑based. That chemistry matters and Spain proved it in 2010.”

But he refuses to play prophet, “No World Cup is ever the same because momentum decides everything. Brazil, France and the Netherlands will always challenge, but the World Cup always delivers surprises. That is the beauty of it.”
After four decades chronicling Mamelodi Sundowns, Thomas Kwenaite sees the second star not as a conclusion, but as the beginning of another era — a new chapter in a story he has been privileged to tell.