Good Enough, But Not Needed: Life on the Sundowns Bench
“Chloorkop Is Where Careers Go Quiet” – When Mamelodi Sundowns’ Depth Becomes a Graveyard for Talent
Mamelodi Sundowns are built to dominate. Their squad depth is the envy of African football – a conveyor belt of internationals, specialists and system-perfect footballers assembled to compete on every front. Titles are expected, rotation is relentless and standards are brutal.
But beneath the trophies and tactical excellence lies an uncomfortable truth whispered more loudly by supporters with each passing season: Sundowns can be a graveyard for good players.
At Chloorkop, competition doesn’t just sharpen talent – it suffocates it. Careers stall. Momentum dies. Confidence erodes. For every player who thrives, another fades quietly into the background, trapped in a machine designed to win, not wait.
Miguel Cardoso has refined Sundowns into a ruthless, layered unit where every role has two or three challengers and training sessions feel like auditions. In such an environment, patience is a luxury few players can afford – especially those in their prime.
Here are five Sundowns players who, through no lack of ability, now desperately need a move away to rescue careers slowly slipping into neutral.
Jody February – A Prime Career Wasted on the Bench
Once tipped as a future Bafana Bafana number one, February’s career has frozen in time. Now 29, he remains buried in a crowded goalkeeping department where minutes are rare and trust is scarcer.
Goalkeepers survive on rhythm and responsibility – February has neither. Another season watching from the stands risks turning promise into permanent regret. A move is no longer optional; it’s urgent.
Jayden Adams – Talent Lost in the Midfield Traffic
Adams arrived at Sundowns expecting elevation. Instead, he was swallowed by a midfield stacked with specialists and new signings who leapfrog him in the hierarchy.
His intelligence, composure and versatility should make him a central figure elsewhere. At Sundowns, he’s become a spare part in a system that rewards instant impact over patience.
Thapelo Maseko – Potential on Pause
Few situations are as frustrating as Maseko’s. A winger with pace, bravery and international potential, yet constantly drifting in and out of squads with no defined role.
At 22, time is precious. Cameos don’t build careers. Whether on loan or permanently, he needs space to grow before promise turns into a cautionary tale.
Lebo Mothiba – A Striker Without Rhythm
European pedigree, physical presence, proven instincts – Mothiba ticks all the boxes. But injuries, rotation and competition from Shalulile, Rayners and Sales have left him chasing form he can’t build without starts.
Strikers need belief and continuity. At Sundowns, he’s a rotation option. Elsewhere, he could still be a focal point.
Fawaaz Basadien – From Bafana Regular to AFCON Omission
Basadien’s decline is stark. Once trusted by Hugo Broos, now not even on the plane to Morocco.
With Aubrey Modiba and Divine Lunga ahead of him, Basadien’s strengths no longer fit Sundowns’ evolving full-back profile. His stagnation at club level has spilled into international exile – a clear sign it’s time for a reset.
Supporters Speak: “Downs Is a Grave for Serious Talent”
Frustration among supporters is growing, with many seeing the pattern repeat itself season after season.
Eric Dlamini:
“Downs has become a grave for serious South African talent lately. It’s a cautionary tale now.”
Mandla Shabangu:
“If you’re not a guaranteed starter, Sundowns will kill your momentum. Players disappear there.”
Thabiso Molefe:
“Winning trophies is great, but careers are being buried quietly. Some guys need to leave while they still can.”
Siyanda Ncube:
“Sundowns don’t develop patience anymore. You either deliver instantly or you’re forgotten.”
Kabelo Radebe:
“Chloorkop is perfect for the club – not always for the player.”
The Hard Truth
Sundowns will continue to win. That’s not in doubt. But for players stuck on the wrong side of the rotation cycle, staying too long can be fatal to a career.
Sometimes, the bravest move isn’t joining the champions –
it’s knowing when to leave them.
I sundowns kade yaqala uku destroya ikusasa labadlali be bafana wathi uJabu Pule ephawula lokho kwabe ukuxoshwa kwakhe kwa supersport
The problem at Sundowns is this guy Flemming Berg with his European ideas. I feel if he leaves, that clueless coach will follow him. Enough is enough. Those clowns are killing our team.
Tlhopie has failed players as a chairman of the team ! It is widely known that. Sundowns now pushes coloured talent.! We can’t have 90% coloureds in jst 2 seasons replacing all potential players at the club ..! Players like Cupido, Mathews, Rayners aren’t downs material .! Rayners without Ribeiro is clueless ! He lacks a lot upfront Shalulile was better but not given time ! Downs always says players are injured for seasons but once those players leave the team and join other teams those Injuries are gone .!
And players and agents much watch first and ask for some guarantees concerning game time
This galaxy boy Wana go join them
It did not start with Berg but started long time ago with Pitso. remember Lungisani Ndlela he ended up leaving soccer for good, he was one of my favorite player
Sundowns is not a business, business design strategies to make profit, surprisingly Sundowns is about Motsepe’s personal ego, their strategy is throwing money to entice players in order to prevent such players joining Chiefs and Pirates and bench them to avoid competition. Players through greedy Agents are destroying their careers.