Mamelodi Sundowns Chairman reflects on 2025 performance | OneFootball

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Tlhopie Motsepe on Downs' exploits in 2025

Photo: Tlhopie Motsepe

Mamelodi Sundowns Chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has reflected on the Tshwane giants' performances in 2025 as the year draws to a close.

Masandawana clinched their record-extending eighth consecutive championship and reached the CAF Champions League final for the first time since 2016, but lost to Pyramids last season.

In the ongoing campaign, the club had a sluggish start, missing out on two domestic cup titles in the form of the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout cup trophy, while trailing Betway Premiership log leaders Orlando Pirates by two points, having played one game more.

Speaking on the final edition of the Sundowns digital magazine, the Downs boss stressed the importance of hitting the ground running next year in a bid to turn their 2025/26 season around.

“2025 was a year that tested us in many ways. But as we have learned time and again that, tests do not come to break us, they come to reveal our abilities and prepare us for the future,” Motsepe said.

"Turning to our first team, starting 2026 strongly will be key for Themba Zwane and his teammates. Your Chairman, the Sporting Director, and the board have already begun the work of ensuring that the right people and the right players are in place for a season filled with purpose and ambition.

"At the same time, I would like to sincerely thank Coach Miguel Cardoso and the entire squad for the commitment and success they delivered in 2025. Winning our eighth consecutive league title and reaching a CAF Champions League final for the first time in nine years were remarkable achievements. I also thank the supporters who stood by the team and the coach when it mattered the most.

On Sundowns ending the year in an unfamiliar residence, Motsepe called for calm, highlighting that a league title race is a marathon only won in May.

“As the year closes, we find ourselves in a position that is unfamiliar in recent seasons. While we may not be where we aspire to be at this point, history has taught us that league titles are decided in May, not December. What has sustained this Club through every era will continue to guide us,” he added.