Patrice Motsepe/ Picture: Instagram
As Patrice Motsepe’s Mamelodi Sundowns have continued to dominate local football in the past few seasons, opposing fans and watchers of the game have started voicing concerns regarding their access to funds killing the spirit of competition in the sport.
The phrase ‘money can’t buy happiness’ is one that appears to not apply to Pretoria-based Sundowns aka Masandawana, as they have found themselves at the pinnacle of their club’s success, which most have attributed to the long pockets of their owner, South Africa’s first billionaire Dr. Patrice Motsepe. The Brazialians’ access to what seems like an endless well of funds has not only afforded them access to state-of-the-art facilities, resources and support from qualified professionals but has also granted them the budget to go after the best players on the continent.
Basic maths will tell you that access to the best players means a better chance at winning, and this has been the case for Sundowns, as they currently top the PSL with a nine-point cushion following a convincing victory over Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. They are also one of only three African clubs that will be competing at the FIFA Club World Cup set to take place in Los Angeles this June.
Their unstoppable domestic dominance has led to a few discussions on social media, with some users revealing that they believe that coach Miguel Cardoso’s side has an unfair advantage over other teams. Furthermore, these users believe that their dominance has begun to have a negative impact on the spirit of the sport, as the final outcome has become somewhat predictable.
This league would be so competitive and exciting if it’s was like this but money ruined our beautiful football pic.twitter.com/VehENVHtj3
— MuziBucs (@MuziBucs) February 21, 2022
Nothing went wrong , u cnt compete with a team that is on a manufactured dominance, the midfield alone Mokoena , Allende n Adams vs Makhawula, Tito, Dlamini it’s day a light difference in terms of quality n cost. At this moment only regulations can stop Sundowns n save our Lig.
— Thabang (@thabang_) February 8, 2025
Their disparation to play on each n every Club World Cup will ruin SAn football. They eliminated competition by signing 100 players n loan 40 n put a clause of No loaned Sundowns player will play against Sundowns. Furthermore they play dirty by playing Pirates in a bad pitch
— Kgadi Moruno (@moruno179) February 9, 2025
Other fans of the sport have accused the club of fearing competition, and ensuring that their opponents are not as well equipped as they are, as they cite Sundowns recently signing fan-favourite midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch to Morrocan side Wyadad FC after Kaizer Chiefs reportedly showed interest in him.
So Sundowns e tshaba competition? https://t.co/wjyTUsmEOM
— OSD (@ThabisoMishack) January 28, 2025
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