Mamelodi Sundowns could allow some of their fringe players to leave on loan when the January transfer window opens, following their unexpected elimination from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

Former Brazilians defender Hilton Jordaan believes the club may reconsider the size of its squad after losing the opportunity to compete in the continental tournament, although he expects the core of the team to remain intact.

Speaking to KickOff, Jordaan suggested that players who have struggled for regular game time could be allowed to seek opportunities elsewhere.

“I think they may know what to do. I think there might be some players going out on loan in January, but I think they will keep the nucleus of that squad. They still got the Carling Knockout, there’s a league, and there is Nedbank Cup also,” he said.

His comments come after Sundowns suffered a major setback in their continental campaign, with Angolan side Wiliete SC eliminating the defending champions in the second preliminary round.

The Pretoria-based club drew 1-1 with Wiliete at Loftus Versfeld on October 23, following a goalless first leg in Angola. Tashreeq Matthews gave Sundowns the lead in the return fixture, but Mabululu equalised after the break to send the visitors through on the away-goals rule.

The result ended Sundowns’ hopes of defending their African title before the group stage. It also brought an end to their run of reaching the group phase in 11 consecutive Champions League campaigns.

Jordaan described the elimination as a shock, particularly because Sundowns were entering the competition as reigning champions and among the favourites to retain the trophy.

“It was a shock that they didn’t beat a side from Angola, and now they have to focus on the Carling Knockout. It is a blow for Sundowns because they won the Champions League last season, which made them the tournament’s favourites. So for them to go out in the first round wasn’t part of the plan,” he added.

The early exit also means Sundowns will not have another continental competition to fall back on this season. Under CAF’s current format, clubs eliminated from the Champions League preliminary rounds do not enter a playoff against Confederation Cup teams.

Despite the disappointment, Sundowns still have domestic competitions to pursue, including the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup.

Jordaan’s comments point to possible squad adjustments in January, but he has not predicted a mass departure. For now, any loan moves remain a possibility rather than a confirmed club decision.

Source: https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2116944828713804177?s=46