Origins in Marabastad
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club’s story begins in the early 1960s in Marabastad, a diverse area just northwest of Pretoria’s city centre. The club was formed by a group of young football lovers who built a team rooted in community passion and local pride. Originally known as Marabastad Sundowns, the side drew inspiration from an earlier amateur team of the same name that had existed in the 1940s.
By 1970, the club had moved to the nearby township of Mamelodi and officially adopted the name Mamelodi Sundowns. This relocation would prove decisive, embedding the club within one of Gauteng’s most vibrant football communities and setting the foundation for what would eventually become one of Africa’s most successful clubs.
Early Growth and the Mahobe Era
Sundowns’ early decades were marked by gradual progress rather than immediate success. The club joined professional competition structures in the 1970s and spent several years battling for top-flight status. Promotion to the highest level of South African football came in 1983, though the initial seasons were challenging and survival became the main priority.
A turning point arrived in 1985 when businessman Zola Mahobe took ownership of the club. His ambitious recruitment drive transformed Sundowns into one of the country’s most exciting teams. He brought in top players, introduced a bold yellow kit inspired by Brazil, and helped popularise the club’s famous nickname, “The Brazilians.”
Under coach Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala, Sundowns developed a distinctive attacking style that fans would later call “Shoe Shine and Piano.” The approach emphasised technical skill, quick passing, and expressive football, and it quickly became part of the club’s identity. By the late 1980s, Sundowns were winning cup competitions and establishing themselves as a genuine force in South African football.
Stabilisation and First League Success
Financial difficulties briefly threatened the club when Mahobe was convicted of fraud and ownership shifted to new investors, including the Tsichlas family and the Krok brothers. Instead of collapsing, Sundowns entered a new era of stability.
Chilean coach Mario Tuane guided the club to its first league championship, marking the beginning of Sundowns’ reputation as a serious title contender. Through the early 1990s, the team remained competitive, adding more domestic trophies and gradually building a winning culture.
By the mid-1990s, Sundowns were no longer outsiders in South African football. They had become one of the league’s most respected teams, capable of competing with the traditional giants of Soweto and beyond.
PSL Era and Late-1990s Dominance
The introduction of the Premier Soccer League in the late 1990s coincided with one of Sundowns’ strongest periods. Romanian coach Ted Dumitru assembled a formidable squad that included prolific attackers and a solid defensive backbone.
Between 1998 and 2000, Sundowns won three consecutive league titles, firmly establishing themselves as a dominant domestic force. They also secured major cup trophies during this period and became known for their tactical discipline and attacking efficiency.
The club began to shift its ambitions beyond South Africa. In 2001, Sundowns reached the CAF Champions League final, becoming only the second South African team to do so. Although they lost to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, the run signalled that Sundowns had become a genuine contender on the African stage.
Patrice Motsepe’s Investment and Modern Transformation
A defining chapter began in 2004 when mining magnate Patrice Motsepe acquired control of the club. His investment brought financial stability, professional structures, and long-term strategic planning. Under his ownership, Sundowns transformed into one of the most professionally run clubs in Africa.
The impact was soon visible. The club won the PSL title again in 2006 and successfully defended it the following season. Although the late 2000s and early 2010s included some inconsistent campaigns, the foundation for a new era had been laid.
Motsepe’s vision extended beyond results. He aimed to build a club with strong youth systems, a modern playing philosophy, and continental ambitions. This strategy would fully materialise in the following decade.
The Pitso Mosimane Era and Continental Glory
When Pitso Mosimane took charge in 2012, Sundowns entered what many consider the most important period in their history. He inherited a talented squad and gradually reshaped it into a dominant team built around technical football, tactical discipline, and attacking creativity.
Mosimane’s Sundowns won the PSL title in 2014 after an impressive late-season surge. Over the next few years, they strengthened their squad with players such as Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly, Leonardo Castro, Percy Tau, and Hlompho Kekana.
The defining moment arrived in 2016 when Sundowns won the CAF Champions League for the first time. Their victory over Egyptian side Zamalek in the final crowned them champions of Africa and confirmed their place among the continent’s elite.
The triumph was followed by the CAF Super Cup in 2017 and participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, where Sundowns finished sixth. Domestically, they continued to dominate, winning multiple league titles and achieving a historic treble in the 2018/19 season.
Under Mosimane, Sundowns did not just win trophies; they developed a recognisable identity built on possession football and attacking movement.
The Post-Mosimane Era and Continued Success
After Mosimane’s departure in 2020, the club opted for continuity by promoting from within. Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena were appointed as joint head coaches, later supported by senior coach Steve Komphela.
The new technical team maintained Sundowns’ dominance in South African football. The arrival of striker Peter Shalulile added a reliable goal source, while new signings strengthened the squad’s depth and competitiveness.
Sundowns continued to collect league titles and domestic trophies, reinforcing their status as the most successful club in the PSL era. Their success extended beyond the men’s team, as the club also achieved historic recognition in women’s football by winning the CAF Women’s Champions League, making them the first African club to secure both men’s and women’s continental titles.
Style, Identity and Legacy
One of Sundowns’ defining features is their commitment to a clear football philosophy. The “Shoe Shine and Piano” style, built on quick passing and technical skill, has evolved into a modern possession-based approach often compared to European tactical systems.
The club’s success is also reflected in its financial strength, professional infrastructure, and strong youth development structures. With Loftus Versfeld Stadium serving as their main home venue and a growing fan base across the country, Sundowns have become one of Africa’s most valuable football brands.
Today, Mamelodi Sundowns stand as the benchmark of modern South African club football. Their journey from a township team to a continental powerhouse reflects decades of ambition, investment, and football innovation — a story that continues to shape the future of the game in the country.