Sundowns eye clean sweep while newcomers Orbit aim to survive

As the 2025/26 South African football season kicks off, the contrasting ambitions of two Betway Premiership clubs set the stage for an intriguing campaign.

Mamelodi Sundowns, the undisputed giants of domestic football, enter the new term with silverware in their sights and continental glory firmly on their radar. In stark contrast, top-flight debutants Orbit College are preparing for a battle of survival, armed with belief, loyalty to their playing identity, and a few strategic signings.

From title favourites to hopeful newcomers, both clubs face defining seasons ahead.

TOP TRUMPS

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

Club Owner: Patrice Motsepe

Head Coach: Miguel Cardoso

Highest ever finish: Champions

Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, CAF Champions League

Silverware chances: Excellent for all domestic competitions; one of the favourites for the Champions League

For Mamelodi Sundowns, the prospect of a clean sweep looms large. With strong squad depth and tactical refinement under Miguel Cardoso, they are well poised to lift multiple trophies, including the league and domestic cups. Their only uncertainty lies in the CAF Champions League, but with Cardoso enjoying a full pre-season — unlike last term when he joined in December 2024 — expectations are sky-high for continental success.

Cardoso and his technical team have sharpened the team’s defensive resolve and attacking flair, with star forwards Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Peter Shalulile, as well as midfield maestros Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena, leading the charge. Their chemistry has created a ruthlessly effective, yet stylish brand of football.

The high-profile acquisition of Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC raised eyebrows, particularly given the presence of stalwart left-back Aubrey Modiba. With both players vying for national team selection ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the internal competition adds another layer of pressure and intrigue.

Despite their dominance, Cardoso insists on humility and focus. Every match is treated with the utmost seriousness, as Sundowns look to extend their legacy underpinned by discipline, teamwork, and hunger.

Players to watch: Fawaaz Basadien, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Marcelo Allende

Predicted League finish: First

STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM

ORBIT COLLEGE

Club chairman: Dika Mokoena

Head coach: Pogiso Makhoye

Highest ever finish: Promotion to the the Premiership via play-offs

Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout Cup.

Silvareware chances: First season in the top flight, not amongst the favourites to win any silverware.

Orbit College embark on their first Betway Premiership campaign with modest goals — survival chief among them. Coach Pogiso Makhoye, a stalwart of the club for over 15 years, will oversee their transition into elite competition following a strong promotion play-off showing.

Orbit’s rise has been built on consistency and staying true to their identity. Makhoye insists that their promotion does not signal a radical shift in approach, and that belief in their existing system will be key to staying afloat.

Strategic signings include the loan acquisition of Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates. The Bafana Bafana winger brings much-needed top-flight experience and could prove decisive in tight contests. While game time was scarce for him at Pirates last season, his talent is undisputed.

The Mswenko Boys' refusal to be overawed by the Premiership challenge may prove a vital asset. With minimal changes and a fearless mindset, they enter the campaign with belief that they can defy the odds.

Players to watch: Monnapule Saleng, Sekhoane Moerane and Siyabulela Mabele

Predicted league finish: Survival by finishing 14th

On Wednesday, we take a look at would-be challengers Orlando Pirates and newly promoted Durban City