Motsepe: “2025 Was One of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Strongest Years Yet”
Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has described 2025 as a defining year for the club, insisting that despite moments of disappointment, the foundations for future success remain firmly in place.
Writing in the club’s December Digital Magazine, Motsepe reflected on a campaign filled with sharp contrasts — from near-misses on the continental stage to continued domestic ambition — while maintaining an unmistakably optimistic tone about what lies ahead for Masandawana.
The Sundowns leader acknowledged that the year tested the club’s resolve. The men’s team came agonisingly close to continental glory before falling short in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC, while the women’s side experienced an unusual setback by missing out on qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League for the first time.
Rather than framing these moments as failures, Motsepe positioned them as part of the club’s ongoing evolution. He described 2025 as a season of extremes — exhilarating highs balanced by painful lessons — stressing that adversity has always played a role in shaping Sundowns’ identity and long-term strength.
Domestically, the chairman also addressed the rare sight of Sundowns not leading the league at this stage of the season, with the Brazilians trailing Orlando Pirates by two points at the AFCON break. Motsepe urged supporters to remain patient, reminding them that championships are not won in December but decided at the business end of the campaign.
Beyond club competitions, Motsepe highlighted Sundowns’ strong presence at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where several players and staff are representing their nations. He singled out the pride felt by the club in seeing key figures such as Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Denis Onyango flying the Sundowns flag on the continental stage.
Motsepe closed his message with a heartfelt tribute to two towering figures in the club’s history — former owner Solly Krok and former chairman Angelo Tsichlas — whose passing in 2025 marked a profound loss for the Sundowns family.
Ultimately, Motsepe’s message was clear: 2025 was not merely a year of results, but one of reflection, growth, and renewed belief — a season that, in his view, has positioned Mamelodi Sundowns for an even stronger future.