Mamelodi Sundowns Face Player Challenges Amid Tough Start to 2025/26 Season

Mamelodi Sundowns management are facing multiple challenges early in the 2025/26 campaign, with uncertainty around key players, injuries, and squad depth putting pressure on the defending champions. The Tshwane giants entered the season with limited preparation time following their extended run at the FIFA Club World Cup, leaving little room for recovery or a full pre-season.

The congested schedule has already had consequences. Lucas Ribeiro Costa, the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season, was unavailable when the campaign kicked off, sparking speculation about his future. The club has yet to address growing rumours that the Brazilian may be eyeing a move abroad, fueling concerns about stability in attack.

Sundowns’ transfer activity has also raised eyebrows. They made only one signing, left-back Fawaaz Basadien, while releasing several players. This reduced squad depth at a time when injuries and fatigue are mounting. The pressure intensified when it emerged that long-serving striker Peter Shalulile is open to a move away. Although his contract reportedly includes a one-year option, his desire for a new challenge has left management in a difficult position.

Another concern is Khuliso Mudau, who skipped pre-season preparations in Rustenburg and is yet to feature this term. Reports suggest the right-back is unhappy with his current salary package and is attracting interest from clubs abroad. His absence has left a gap in defence, adding to the growing list of uncertainties Sundowns must navigate.

The club’s worries deepened in the MTN8 clash against Orlando Pirates, where captain Themba Zwane suffered an injury. His setback was compounded by Arthur Sales and Tashreeq Matthews also being forced off. Losing experienced players this early in the campaign could disrupt Sundowns’ rhythm and impact their dominance in both domestic and continental competitions.

Strength and Conditioning coach Kaitlin Hunt admitted that injuries are a natural part of football but acknowledged the strain of losing influential players. “When Themba Zwane went down, everyone’s heart dropped. It’s not nice to see. Injuries do happen, but you don’t want them happening to key players. They’ve built a lot around one or two key players, and if they lose them, they could find themselves in trouble,” Hunt told KickOff.com.

Despite the concerns, Hunt remains optimistic that Sundowns will find their stride as the season progresses. “Hopefully it’s not too serious. Injuries are part of the game, but you want your top players available. If they can manage this period, they’ll peak later in the season and the fluidity and rhythm will come back,” she added.

With matches coming thick and fast, the Sundowns technical team will need to manage fitness, resolve contract disputes, and possibly strengthen the squad in January to keep their treble ambitions alive. The coming weeks will test not only the depth of their squad but also the resilience of their management in handling player demands and injury setbacks.