Doctor Khumalo Questions PSL Teams Claiming Supremacy Over Struggling Mamelodi Sundowns
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates cannot truly claim to be the best in South African football if they capitalize on a weakened Mamelodi Sundowns to win the PSL title, according to Amakhosi legend Doctor Khumalo. Speaking as a club ambassador at the Carling Black Label partnership launch, Khumalo dismissed suggestions that beating Sundowns amid internal turmoil is enough to claim supremacy. He emphasized that any team seeking to establish itself as the country’s top side should do so against a fully functioning Sundowns, not a side facing internal issues or disruptions. His comments come as the 2025/26 PSL title race tightens, with Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns locked in a three-way battle.
Khumalo pointed out that Sundowns’ current challenges, including internal problems and the suspension of performance analyst Mario Masha over alleged leaks to former coach Rulani Mokwena, should not diminish their importance to South African football. “It’s okay to pose it that fashion, but I would want to see any team in the PSL to challenge Sundowns without problems,” he said. He added that taking advantage of a crippled Sundowns does little to elevate the competitive standards of the league and fails to prove a team’s strength against the best. The legend called for competitors to measure themselves against Sundowns when the club is at full capacity, noting that only then should accolades like “the best team in the country” hold weight.
Sundowns’ contribution to South African football extends beyond the domestic league. Khumalo highlighted their role in elevating Bafana Bafana and earning global recognition for the country. He cited instances where international coaches have commented on Sundowns’ performances at the FIFA Club World Cup, showing how the club has enhanced respect for South African football. According to Khumalo, maintaining Sundowns as a strong, competitive side is crucial not only for league integrity but also for the nation’s football reputation on the continental and global stage.
The PSL title race is further complicated by Sundowns’ demanding schedule. The Brazilians face a decisive CAF Champions League group stage clash against MC Alger on 14 February, needing a win to progress. This high-pressure fixture, combined with a congested league calendar, adds to the scrutiny on coach Miguel Cardoso and his squad. Sundowns currently sit second in the league, with Pirates leading and Chiefs, AmaZulu, and Sekhukhune United all applying pressure from behind. Khumalo’s warning reinforces that claiming the title against a weakened Sundowns does not reflect true dominance.
As the PSL season nears its final stretch, fans will be watching closely how Sundowns respond to their challenges. Khumalo’s remarks underline the importance of facing rivals under fair conditions, with competitive integrity as a priority. The title race remains intense, but the legend’s view is clear: defeating a fully capable Sundowns is the true benchmark for determining South Africa’s best team. Maintaining the Brazilians’ strength in domestic and continental competitions benefits the league, players, and the broader reputation of South African football.
