If you've followed South African football for more than a week, you know the drill. Mamelodi Sundowns usually treat the league table like a personal bank account, just accumulating points until everyone else gives up. But look at the mamelodi sundowns fc standings right now in early 2026. It's... different.
Honestly, it’s refreshing. We’ve spent years watching the Brazilians wrap up the title by Easter, but the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season has a much more chaotic energy. As of mid-January, Masandawana find themselves in a dogfight. They aren't sitting at the top of the mountain looking down; they're in second place, staring at the back of Orlando Pirates' jerseys.
The Current State of Play
Let’s talk numbers. Right now, Mamelodi Sundowns have played 13 matches. They’ve managed 7 wins, 5 draws, and just a single loss. That gives them 26 points. On paper, it's a solid return. But Orlando Pirates are sitting on 28 points with 12 games played. You see the problem? Sundowns have played one more game and have two fewer points.
It’s weird seeing them with five draws already. Usually, Sundowns are a machine that converts pressure into three points, but this season under Miguel Cardoso—who took over the reins following the departure of Rulani Mokwena—they’ve been a bit more "human."
Breaking Down the Log
- Orlando Pirates: 28 points (12 games)
- Mamelodi Sundowns: 26 points (13 games)
- Sekhukhune United: 25 points (13 games)
- Kaizer Chiefs: 24 points (13 games)
The gap between second and fourth is only two points. That is wild. Usually, by this stage of the season, the "Big Three" are separated by vast canyons of points, but Sekhukhune United and a rejuvenated Kaizer Chiefs are breathing down Sundowns' necks.
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Why the Standings Look So Tight
You've gotta wonder why the usual dominance has slipped a bit. Part of it is the sheer volume of games. Sundowns are effectively fighting on four fronts: the Betway Premiership, the CAF Champions League, the Nedbank Cup, and they’ve even had the FIFA Club World Cup distractions.
In the CAF Champions League, they are doing much better. They lead Group C with 4 points after two matches, ahead of Al Hilal on goal difference. It’s almost like they’ve prioritized the continental stage this year. Winning another star for the jersey seems to be the obsession in Chloorkop.
The 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC in December was a perfect example of their domestic struggles. They dominated possession (nearly 70%), but they just couldn't find the killer blow. It’s been a recurring theme. Iqraam Rayners has been a massive bright spot, though. He’s already bagged 6 goals in the league, keeping pace with the league’s top scorers like Sede Junior Dion.
The "Cardoso Era" Growing Pains
Transitioning from the highly tactical, almost obsessive "Rulani-ball" to Miguel Cardoso's style hasn't been a seamless overnight switch. You can see the players are still figuring out the triggers.
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Tashreeq Matthews and Marcelo Allende are still the creative engines, but the defense—usually a fortress—has looked slightly more vulnerable. They’ve conceded 7 goals in 13 games. That sounds great, but compared to Pirates, who have only let in 5 in 12 games, you see where the title is being won and lost.
Ronwen Williams remains the best keeper in Africa, no debate there. He’s kept the mamelodi sundowns fc standings looking respectable by pulling off world-class saves in matches where the midfield went missing. Without him, they might be sitting in 4th or 5th right now.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Points Gap
People see Sundowns in second and think the "dynasty" is over. That is a massive mistake.
Sundowns have a depth that no other South African club can touch. While Pirates are flying, they don't have the same "B-team" quality that Sundowns possess. When the injuries start piling up in February and March, that’s when the mamelodi sundowns fc standings usually start to climb.
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Don't forget the January transfer window. Sundowns are notorious for "buying the league" by snapping up the best talent from their rivals mid-season. They've recently been linked with a Portuguese youth international to bolster that midfield. If they land a marquee signing, that two-point gap will vanish in a fortnight.
Key Players Keeping Them in the Hunt
- Iqraam Rayners: The man is a pure finisher. 6 goals and 2 assists so far.
- Tashreeq Matthews: His versatility has been key when Peter Shalulile has been off the boil.
- Teboho Mokoena: Even with a few disciplinary blips (including a red card earlier in the season), he’s still the best box-to-box midfielder in the PSL.
The Road Ahead
The next few weeks are basically a gauntlet. They have a massive clash against Orbit College coming up, followed by a return to CAF Champions League action against MC Alger.
If they want to overtake Pirates, they have to stop drawing against the "smaller" teams. You can’t drop points to the likes of Siwelele or Magesi FC and expect to win a league where Pirates are finally showing some consistency.
Essentially, the league title is no longer a foregone conclusion. For the first time in nearly a decade, we have a genuine title race.
How to Track Their Progress
If you're trying to keep an eye on how this season unfolds, don't just look at the points. Look at the "Games in Hand" column. That’s where the real story lives.
- Check the official PSL website every Wednesday and Sunday; the table moves fast.
- Watch the goal difference. Sundowns are currently at +13, tied with Pirates. If Sundowns start winning games 3-0 or 4-0 again, it's a sign they've found their rhythm.
- Monitor the CAF rotation. If Cardoso starts resting Mokoena or Allende in league games, it's a signal they are betting everything on the Champions League.
The mamelodi sundowns fc standings tell a story of a giant that's a little tired but still incredibly dangerous. They aren't dominating yet, but betting against them is a quick way to lose money. Keep an eye on the February fixtures—that's when the "Brazilians" usually find their second gear.