Mamelodi Sundowns may have suffered several disappointing results in continental competitions, but their ambitions for the 2026/27 season remain very much alive.
The Brazilians are still competing for multiple honours, with three domestic trophies and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup among the major prizes they could add to their collection.
Although their CAF Champions League campaign ended prematurely and they lost the CAF Super Cup final to USM Alger, Miguel Cardoso’s side have plenty of opportunities to turn their season around.
Sundowns have already secured the MTN8 trophy after defeating Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October.
However, the Tshwane giants will be eager to build on that success and challenge for more silverware before the campaign concludes.
Sundowns’ Mixed Start to the 2026/27 Season
Sundowns began the season with ambitions of dominating both domestic and continental football.
Their first major success came in the MTN8 final, where they defeated Orlando Pirates through goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners.
The victory delivered another trophy for the Brazilians and underlined their continued dominance in South African football.
However, their continental ambitions suffered a major setback when they were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Angolan side Wiliete SC.
After a goalless draw in the first leg, Sundowns played out a 1-1 draw in Pretoria. The away-goals rule ultimately worked against the South African champions, ending their title defence before the group stage.
Their disappointment continued in the CAF Super Cup final on 8 November, when Algerian outfit USM Alger defeated them in Pretoria.
Despite Rayners finding the net, Sundowns conceded three goals and missed the opportunity to claim another continental title.
Four Major Trophies Still Within Sundowns’ Reach
Despite those setbacks, Sundowns remain firmly in contention for several competitions.
Here are the major trophies still available to Cardoso’s team.
1. Betway Premiership
Sundowns remain serious contenders for another league title.
At the time of the report, Masandawana were top of the Betway Premiership standings with 26 points, narrowly ahead of Orlando Pirates, who had accumulated 25 points.
The competition is expected to be tight, with Pirates looking determined to challenge Sundowns’ domestic dominance.
Cardoso will know that maintaining consistency throughout the campaign will be essential if his team are to secure another league championship.
2. Carling Knockout Cup
The Brazilians have also progressed to the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup.
The remaining four teams are scheduled to compete on 21 November, with the final details still to be confirmed.
Sundowns will view the competition as another realistic opportunity to secure domestic silverware and respond to their recent continental disappointments.
3. Nedbank Cup
The Nedbank Cup provides another opportunity for Sundowns to add to their trophy collection.
The competition is scheduled to begin on 27 January 2027, with the final planned for 1 May.
Durban City are the defending champions after defeating TS Galaxy in the previous final.
Given Sundowns’ squad depth and experience in knockout competitions, they will be among the teams expected to challenge for the trophy.
4. FIFA Intercontinental Cup
Perhaps the biggest opportunity for Sundowns to make international history remains the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The Brazilians have already progressed beyond the African-Asian-Pacific Cup stage after defeating Saudi Arabian opponents Al Ahli on 19 September.
Their victory secured a place in the Challenger Cup, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the contest between Mexican side Toluca FC and the 2026 Copa Libertadores champions.
Winning that encounter would take Sundowns into the main Intercontinental Cup final, where European champions Paris Saint-Germain await.
For Cardoso’s team, reaching that stage would represent a significant achievement and provide an opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s strongest clubs.
Can Miguel Cardoso Deliver Another Trophy-Laden Season?
Despite losing two major continental opportunities, Sundowns still have plenty to play for.
The MTN8 triumph has already provided some success, but expectations at Chloorkop remain considerably higher.
With the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout Cup, Nedbank Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup still offering opportunities, Cardoso has several chances to deliver more silverware.
The challenge will be maintaining consistency, managing the pressure and ensuring that the recent setbacks do not affect the team’s confidence.
Can Mamelodi Sundowns bounce back from their CAF Super Cup defeat and finish the season with more trophies?
