100 Remarkable Facts About Mamelodi Sundowns FC

By /
Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns FC, affectionately known as “The Brazilians”, is one of Africa’s most successful football clubs. With a rich history, iconic players, and a trophy cabinet that shines across the continent, Sundowns represents excellence, resilience, and flair in African football. Here are 100 facts that celebrate their incredible legacy.

Founding and Early History

  1. Mamelodi Sundowns was founded in the early 1960s in Marabastad, Pretoria.
  2. It was formed by young football enthusiasts including Frank “ABC” Motsepe and Roy Fischer.
  3. Initially known as Marabastad Sundowns.
  4. The club was officially renamed Mamelodi Sundowns in 1970.
  5. Their early colors were different from their modern yellow-and-blue kits.
  6. The team joined the Federation Professional Football League (FPFL) in 1973.
  7. They reached their first Coca-Cola Cup final in 1973 but lost 5-3 to Berea United.
  8. They were relegated to the second division in 1980.
  9. Sundowns was almost disbanded in the early 1980s due to financial challenges.
  10. Zola Mahobe saved the club from collapse by buying it in 1985.

The Zola Mahobe Era

  1. Mahobe was nicknamed “Mr Cool” due to his style and swagger.
  2. He spent over R2 million on the club within his first two years.
  3. Mahobe famously took players and their partners to the 1986 FA Cup Final in London.
  4. He recruited the best local players and gifted them BMWs.
  5. Under him, the club adopted the Brazilian kit style and attacking flair.
  6. “Shoe Shine and Piano” football became their identity.
  7. Sundowns won the 1986 Mainstay Cup under Mahobe’s leadership.
  8. They captured the 1987 Castle League, BP Top 8, and JPS Cup.
  9. Mahobe hired Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala as head coach.
  10. Mahobe’s reign ended after he was convicted for bank fraud in 1988.

Ownership & Administration

  1. After Mahobe’s downfall, Standard Bank took ownership of the club.
  2. Angelo and Natasha Tsichlas helped rescue the club in 1988.
  3. They partnered with the Krok brothers to stabilize Sundowns.
  4. Patrice Motsepe bought a 51% stake in Sundowns in 2003.
  5. He acquired 100% ownership in 2004, becoming the sole owner.
  6. Under Motsepe, Sundowns became a fully professional club.
  7. The club headquarters is located in Chloorkop, Pretoria.
  8. Motsepe is the first black South African billionaire.
  9. Sundowns is one of the most financially stable clubs in Africa.
  10. The club’s estimated value is €29 million as of 2024.

Stadiums and Facilities

  1. Sundowns plays most of their home games at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
  2. They also use Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville for select matches.
  3. The Chloorkop training facility is among the best in South Africa.
  4. The club has state-of-the-art training fields and fitness equipment.
  5. Loftus Versfeld is also used for rugby, making Sundowns co-tenants with the Bulls.
  6. The stadium can hold over 50,000 fans.
  7. Sundowns has hosted many continental matches at home.

Domestic Achievements

  1. Sundowns has won a record 18 South African league titles.
  2. They claimed their first league title in 1988.
  3. They won the league three times in a row from 1997 to 2000.
  4. They were PSL champions seven consecutive times (2017-2024).
  5. They have won the Nedbank Cup six times.
  6. The club has four Telkom Knockout titles.
  7. They’ve won the MTN 8 four times.
  8. Their 24–0 win over Powerlines in 2012 is a national record.
  9. They completed a domestic treble in the 2018/19 season.
  10. The club has finished in the top 3 of the league more than 20 times.

Continental and International Success

  1. Sundowns won the CAF Champions League in 2016.
  2. They were runners-up in the CAF Champions League in 2001 and 2025.
  3. They beat Zamalek 3–1 on aggregate in the 2016 CAFCL final.
  4. They won the CAF Super Cup in 2017.
  5. In 2021, they won the CAF Women’s Champions League.
  6. They are the only African club to win both CAFCL and CAFWCL.
  7. They were named CAF Club of the Year in 2016.
  8. The club represented Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2016.
  9. They finished 6th at the Club World Cup.
  10. Sundowns were crowned champions of the inaugural African Football League in 2023.

Legendary Players

  1. Daniel Mudau is the club’s all-time top scorer.
  2. Hlompho Kekana captained the side for a decade.
  3. Percy Tau rose from the Sundowns academy to international stardom.
  4. Khama Billiat played a key role in the 2016 CAFCL win.
  5. Surprise Moriri was a fan favourite in the 2000s.
  6. Roger Feutmba was a midfield magician from Cameroon.
  7. Kennedy Mweene was known for his penalty-saving heroics.
  8. Denis Onyango is considered one of the best African goalkeepers ever.
  9. Teko Modise added flair and experience to the team.
  10. Lebohang Maboe and Themba Zwane were crucial during the Pitso era.

Coaching Milestones

  1. Stanley Tshabalala introduced “Shoe Shine & Piano.”
  2. Ted Dumitru led Sundowns to three consecutive league titles.
  3. Pitso Mosimane was the club’s most successful coach.
  4. Mosimane won five league titles with Sundowns.
  5. He guided the team to their historic 2016 CAFCL win.
  6. Johan Neeskens introduced modern European tactics but won no trophies.
  7. Rhulani Mokwena became head coach in 2022.
  8. Manqoba Mngqithi co-coached with Mokwena before being demoted.
  9. Steve Komphela served as senior coach in the coaching trio.
  10. Miguel Gamondi and Neil Tovey co-coached Sundowns to league glory in 2006.

Youth and Development

  1. The Sundowns Development Academy is based in Chloorkop.
  2. Percy Tau, Keagan Dolly, and Bongani Zungu graduated from the academy.
  3. The academy focuses on holistic development – education and life skills.
  4. Their U19s and U23s have consistently performed well in national tournaments.
  5. Sundowns hosts youth scouting camps across the country.
  6. The club has invested in women’s youth teams as well.

Women’s Team Achievements

  1. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC was founded in 2009.
  2. They won the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021.
  3. The women’s team has won multiple Hollywoodbets Super League titles.
  4. Andile Dlamini is the most recognized female Sundowns goalkeeper.
  5. Jerry Tshabalala is the head coach of the women’s team.
  6. The team plays in the same style as the men – fast, possession football.
  7. Sundowns Ladies have produced Banyana Banyana internationals.

Recent Milestones

  1. Sundowns finished the 2024/25 PSL season as champions again.
  2. Peter Shalulile became the league’s top scorer in multiple seasons.
  3. Neo Maema, De Reuck, and Marcelo Allende are current stars.
  4. Sundowns remains unbeaten at home in continental competition since 2019.
  5. The club launched a new digital fan experience app in 2024.
  6. They’re one of the few African clubs with a fully dedicated esports team.
  7. The club has over 2 million followers across social media platforms.
  8. Sundowns jerseys are among the best-selling kits in South Africa.
  9. The club’s slogan is “The Sky is the Limit.”
  10. Mamelodi Sundowns FC continues to raise the South African flag in global football.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top