Soccer
Masandawana clinch record-extending eighth consecutive PSL title─── MORGAN PIEK 08:12 Thu, 15 May 2025
Mamelodi Sundowns secured the 2024/25 Premier Soccer title on Wednesday, with one match remaining in their campaign, following a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United in East London.
The Brazilians effectively wrapped up the title – their record-extending eighth consecutive league triumph – before kick-off at Buffalo City Stadium, thanks to their vastly superior goal difference. However, they sealed the deal in emphatic fashion against the Chili Boys.
Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving Sundowns a 1-0 lead going into half-time.
Iqraam Rayners. Photo: Morgan Piek
In the 69th minute, Brazilian forward Arthur De Oliveira Sales doubled the lead, before completing his brace on the stroke of full-time to round off a dominant performance.
The league win will no doubt boost the confidence of Masandawana as they prepare for the CAF Champions League final later this month against Egyptian outfit, Pyramids FC.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso, who joined Sundowns earlier this season, praised his team’s belief and resilience throughout the campaign, even though they were never in danger of not defending their title.
“For us, the most important part was believing we could win a record-extending eighth straight title – even though the team never really lost control of the race,” said Cardoso.
“It was challenging, but very beautiful,” he reflected on their title-winning journey. “I told the players it would be tough, but also very beautiful. We had to trust the process every day – and working with a group of players with this kind of character is never easy.”
Arthur Sales. Photo: Morgan Piek
“We knew we were implementing a new vision, new ideas, and making many changes, but we believed in ourselves. And because we believed, the players believed too. Winning over their hearts and minds was key – that’s where real football lives.”
Sundowns will conclude their league campaign on Sunday against Owen Da Gama’s Magesi FC at Loftus Versfeld. After that, their attention shifts to the two-legged CAF Champions League final.
The first leg will take place at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 24 May, with the return leg scheduled for 1 June at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
