Mamelodi Sundowns Struggle in Knockout Competitions Despite Domestic Dominance

Mamelodi Sundowns continue to dominate the South African Premiership, yet their record in knockout competitions has been disappointing in recent years.

The defending champions were eliminated in the first round of the Carling Knockout over the weekend, losing on penalties at home to Marumo Gallants. This marked the second time Sundowns have exited the competition at the first stage via a shootout. In the 2023/24 season, TS Galaxy sent them out in a similar fashion at Mbombela Stadium.

Sundowns’ last triumph in a knockout competition came in 2022 when they beat Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup final at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. Thapelo Morena scored a late extra-time winner, completing a treble that season, which included the Premiership and MTN8 titles.

Since that high point, the Tshwane giants have faced repeated disappointment. They lost three domestic finals, including two defeats to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup during the 2023/24 season. They also suffered a shock Carling Knockout exit to newcomers Magesi FC in Bloemfontein.

Knockout struggles extend beyond finals. Over the last three seasons, Sundowns have been eliminated in the semi-finals of domestic cups multiple times. Last season, they exited both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup at the semi-final stage. In 2022/23, Orlando Pirates ended their MTN8 run in the semi-finals, while Sundowns were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup in the quarter-finals.

These results come despite significant investment in top talent. Sundowns’ transfer strategy has failed to translate into knockout success. The club now faces the prospect of another season without a cup title, with only the Nedbank Cup remaining as an opportunity for silverware.

The pattern highlights a growing concern: while Sundowns dominate league play, their ability to perform under the pressure of knockout football remains inconsistent. This inconsistency may force the club to reassess strategies in high-stakes matches if they aim to complement their league dominance with cup success.