Lehlohonolo Majoro believes Sundowns’ structure, depth and winning culture will help them weather uncertainty over Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Former Bafana Bafana striker Lehlohonolo Majoro has dismissed fears of a looming crisis at Mamelodi Sundowns, urging calm amid uncertainty over the futures of Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau.
Majoro insists the champions have the pedigree, depth and resilience to withstand potential star departures.
“I don’t think Sundowns are in chaos. I see everything that’s happening there as part and parcel of football, and I think you can be sure that there are already people attending to those things,” Majoro said.
Concerns have mounted at Chloorkop, with star duo Ribeiro and Mudau yet to resolve their contractual disputes, sparking fears that Sundowns could lose two of their most influential players. Ribeiro has been the Brazilians’ most dangerous attacking outlet since arriving, while Mudau’s consistency at right-back has been the backbone of their defensive unit.
Losing either would be a significant blow — but Majoro believes it will not derail the empire built over the last decade.
“I believe Sundowns have proven over the years that they are the team to be beaten; they are not in the position they’re in by fluke,” he explained.
For Majoro, Sundowns’ eight consecutive Premiership titles are not just a statistic but proof of an institution that thrives on structure and planning. Even when challenges arise, he argues, the club’s systems and squad depth allow them to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
“They have the right players, and I believe they’ll get back to their best again,” Majoro said.
His comments come at a time when rivals, particularly Orlando Pirates, are showing signs of narrowing the gap. Pirates have won five trophies in the last four seasons and knocked Sundowns out of this season’s MTN8. That contrast — between Sundowns’ league dominance and Pirates’ cup pedigree — has fuelled the debate about whether the balance of power is beginning to shift.
Majoro, however, is not convinced the champions are in decline. He argues that every dominant side experiences turbulence, but what separates great clubs is their ability to respond. He points to Sundowns’ history of reinvention — from the Pitso Mosimane era to the current generation — as evidence that they will once again adapt and push forward.
Cup football, he added, should not define Sundowns’ status. While knockout defeats sting, their consistency in the league continues to set them apart, and Majoro insists that remains the truest test of a champion.
“They’ve set the bar in South African football,” he reflected. “Sometimes you’ll have periods where things don’t click, but I don’t doubt they’ll rise again.”
As speculation swirls around Ribeiro and Mudau, Majoro’s message to Sundowns supporters is one of reassurance: the champions have overcome bigger challenges before, and their dynasty is far from finished.
For now, Sundowns remain league leaders, and even if star names depart, Majoro believes their winning culture and infrastructure will ensure they remain the team everyone else has to chase.
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