Mamelodi Sundowns seek consistency as they take aim at Marumo Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns have gradually regained control in their defense of the Betway Premiership title and will make the long trip to face Marumo Gallants at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm kickoff) as they look to build on recent momentum and reaffirm their dominance in the league.

Although international breaks are often disruptive, the pause in fixtures provided the Brazilians a timely opportunity to regroup after early-season setbacks, including dropped points and their MTN8 elimination at the hands of Orlando Pirates. 

The extended break was particularly valuable, as the club had not enjoyed a regular preseason due to Fifa Club World Cup commitments.

The start of the season presented Sundowns with several hurdles. Key players were absent—most notably last campaign’s Player of the Season Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who sought a move away—leaving coach Miguel Cardoso to manage a reshuffled squad while coping with early-season fatigue.

Sundowns have however responded convincingly to the restart, producing a dominant 3-0 win over Magesi FC on Sunday. The result provided a much-needed confidence boost and reinforced the team’s ability to perform under pressure.

As they prepare for their next fixture, former captain Hlompho Kekana stressed that discipline and precise execution will be key against a Siwelele sa Marumo side eager to get their season back on track following three matches without a win.

“The team we are playing against are excited to play against us,” Kekana said. 

“The individuals that are there want to cause problems for Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s a big game for us.

“For Sundowns to win matches, especially when playing exciting teams like Marumo Gallants and Magesi, you need to make sure that you use the ball properly. There will be moments when they look dangerous, but you need to make sure in those moments that you still have control of the situation.

“The ball in the midfield needs to be well taken care of, and once you have that, you will deny them the excitement of getting the ball and running, because the way they set up, they want to kill you with the space behind.”

Kekana, who was part of Sundowns’ most dominant era and the squad that won the CAF Champions League in 2016, praised the progress he has seen since the season began. 

He highlighted the importance of maintaining the club’s winning identity, noting that how the team wins is as important as the victories themselves.

“When you play for Mamelodi Sundowns, you have to be on the ball,” he said. 

“Whether we are playing to keep time, for goals, or for fun, you must ensure that you’re in possession. When people look at us, it needs to be exciting — you should feel like you’ve watched good football.

“And that has been Sundowns in the past and the present. How we win football matches is important, and winning football matches is still important at Sundowns. 

“I still believe that playing well, you still need to win football matches, and winning football matches, you still need to play well. If you have the combination of the two, you stand a chance of being untouchable.”