Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer is convinced Mamelodi Sundowns have returned to being a mean machine that was dominating domestic football.

After years of supremacy, Masandawana finished last season trophyless on the local front, missing out on the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup. However, they made up for their domestic drought by clinching the CAF Champions League, which had eluded them for years.

But their domestic failure was made more notable by surrendering the PSL title to rivals Orlando Pirates, who ended their eight-year reign of relentless dominance.

Sundowns have started the ongoing season bent on reclaiming the league title from the Buccaneers. They currently lead the Betway Premiership title race by a point clear of second-placed Pirates. However, the Soweto giants have played a game fewer than the Tshwane giants.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ BRIGHT START TO THE 2026/27 SEASON

But the biggest statement sent to their rivals was outside the PSL when they lifted the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup after beating Saudi side Al Ahli Jeddah. That earned them a spot in the FIFA Challenger Cup, which is the next stage of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

In the Challenger Cup, they meet either the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, Deportivo Toluca FC of Mexico or the 2026 Copa Libertadores champions. Victory in that round would set up a date for them against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup final.

Also, winning the MTN8 after beating Pirates in the final saw Sundowns hint at sweeping silverware on the domestic scene as the season progresses.

DAVID KANNEMEYER ON WHY SUNDOWNS ARE BACK TO DOMINATE DOMESTIC FOOTBALL

Kannemeyer, who also played for Sundowns, points to the squad depth which Cardoso has as the biggest strength. 

“They have made a couple of good signings. Obviously, coach Cardoso, when he came in, changed some of the things that coach Pitso [Mosimane] and Rulani [Mokwena] left behind,” Kannemeyer told FARPost in an interview.

“Obviously it took a little bit of time to rebuild, but I think they are back to where they belong and they are going to compete for everything. 

“It’s proven that even with the MTN8, people are making noise about the penalty, but if you look at the overall performance in terms of how the coach changes the team every week, rotating because they are playing in many competitions, whoever plays still competes. That tells you a big story.

“Yes, surely [teams will struggle to stop Sundowns]. I think preparation is very key now for them. There are a couple of guys who have been overplayed, and that’s why he [Cardoso] is rotating.

“In my view, I think they will be able to compete because now he has rotated the squad and some guys have some rest. I think they will be able to compete.”