Mamelodi Sundowns Brace for Grueling 2025/26 Season with Return of Lucrative AFL
Mamelodi Sundowns could face one of their toughest seasons yet in the 2025/26 campaign, as they prepare to compete in six different competitions, including the highly lucrative African Football League (AFL), which is set to return.
The upcoming season will be far from routine for the Tshwane giants, as they will be coming off the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled between June and July. The strain of competing in multiple tournaments will test their squad depth, endurance, and strategic planning.
A Demanding Schedule for Sundowns
When Sundowns won the inaugural AFL in November 2023, they managed their congested schedule relatively well, as the Carling Knockout replaced the Telkom Knockout in October of the following year. However, the 2025/26 season presents an even greater challenge, with the return of the AFL adding to their already demanding domestic and continental commitments.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the AFL’s return during the CAF Congress in Egypt, where he was re-elected unopposed.
“We still have the African Football League, we have the Club World Cup this year. There is a need to review all our competitions, make them financially more sustainable,” Motsepe said.
“The competitions must not be a financial drag – in fact, the opposite. I would like to make more money out of them, and you must also be careful that the players don’t play in too many competitions because they get tired, and the referees get tired.”
The AFL will add to Sundowns’ already packed schedule, which includes the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, and CAF Champions League.
Squad Depth and Player Fatigue a Major Concern
With the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) set to take place in Morocco midway through the domestic season, Sundowns could face a further player shortage as many of their stars will be on international duty with Bafana Bafana. This means the club will have to rotate effectively and manage player fatigue to remain competitive on all fronts.
Financial Gains Offset the Challenges
Despite the demanding schedule, Sundowns will also have an opportunity to boost their finances significantly. Winning the inaugural AFL earned them a R75 million prize, and the return of the tournament presents another chance to add to their financial muscle.
It remains to be seen whether the AFL will expand beyond the eight teams that competed in the first edition, but if it does, the stakes—and the rewards—will be even higher.
As Sundowns prepare for this marathon season, they will need to balance squad rotation, injury management, and fixture congestion to maintain their dominance in South African and African football. The road ahead will be challenging, but the potential rewards make it a battle worth fighting for Masandawana.
