Mamelodi Sundowns' MTN8 Drought Continues Despite Continental Triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns' quest to secure the MTN8Competition·MTN8 trophy continues, with the Pretoria-based club failing to lift the coveted domestic cup in the 2025/26 season. This extends a notable drought in the competition, which the club last won in 2021.

The 2025 MTN8Competition·MTN8 campaign saw Mamelodi Sundowns begin with a commanding performance, securing a 4-0 victory over Richards Bay FC in the quarter-finals. This dominant display set a promising tone for their ambitions. However, their journey was ultimately halted in the semi-finals by fierce rivals Orlando PiratesTeam·Orlando Pirates.

The two-legged semi-final clash proved to be a tightly contested affair. The first leg concluded in a 1-1 draw, a result mirrored in the second leg. With the aggregate score level, the tie proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Orlando PiratesTeam·Orlando Pirates emerged victorious with a 4-1 win, ending Sundowns' hopes for the title. Orlando PiratesTeam·Orlando Pirates subsequently went on to claim the 2025 MTN8Competition·MTN8 trophy, defeating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in the final, marking their fourth consecutive triumph in the competition.

This domestic cup disappointment for Mamelodi Sundowns occurred within a season of contrasting fortunes. While the club experienced a "barren domestic run," which included surrendering their eight-year stronghold on the Betway Premiership title to Orlando PiratesTeam·Orlando Pirates, they achieved significant continental glory. In May 2026, Mamelodi Sundowns secured the CAF Champions League title, ending a decade-long wait for Africa's premier club competition.

Ahead of their 2025 MTN8Competition·MTN8 quarter-final, Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas RibeiroPlayer·Lucas Ribeiro articulated the team's determination. "It's a very important game, and we will need to leave everything on the pitch. We will need to push until the very end to ensure we walk away with a positive result, so we can hopefully win the cup. We anticipate a good game and we can't wait to be reunited with the Yellow Nation," Ribeiro stated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming 2026/27 season, the pressure on the newly crowned African champions to translate their continental success into domestic silverware is palpable. Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba acknowledged this expectation, while coach Miguel Cardoso discussed the team's resilience during pre-season preparations. The continued absence of the MTN8Competition·MTN8 title from their cabinet remains a significant talking point as the club aims to add more domestic trophies.