Mamelodi Sundowns management seemingly have a tough task on their hands on different fronts as the Tshwane giants face a challenge pertaining to key players.
The 2025/26 season was always going to be challenging for Sundowns, after a prolonged campaign due to participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
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They came into the new campaign with only one signing, Fawaaz Basadien, and released a number of players, which meant their squad depth was going to be tested like never before.
It had emerged prior to the start of the season that Peter Shalulile was keen for a fresh challenge elsewhere but that the club had had been cautious about letting the striker go. He reportedly has a one-year option on his contract.
Another player who is reportedly disgruntled is Khuliso Mudau, who did not take part in pre-season preparations in Rustenburg and is yet to feature, with rumours circulating he is not happy with his salary package and has offers from abroad.
With little preparation time during pre-season and games already coming thick and fast, injury to Themba Zwane in the MTN8 against Orlando Pirates could have the defending champions worried.
Arthur Sales and Tashreeq Matthews were also substituted due to injuries at Orlando on Saturday.
"Injuries are always part of the game. It's a very sad part of the game. I mean, when Themba Zwane went down the other day, I think everyone's heart dropped a bit. It's not nice to see," Strength and Conditioning coach Kaitlin Hunt told KickOff.com when asked if a short pre-season is to blame.
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"But as I said, hopefully they'll peak later in the season and you'll see the fluidity and rhythm back in that Sundowns side," she added.
