Sundowns' Strong League Start Compared to Recent Campaigns
Mamelodi Sundowns have regained the top spot in the league following a convincing 4-1 victory over Durban City. With an unbeaten run of eight wins and two draws from their opening ten matches, the club's current haul of 26 points ranks among their most successful starts in recent seasons.
Mamelodi Sundowns returned to the summit of the league table on Saturday after securing an emphatic 4-1 victory over Durban City. The result allowed the Brazilians to move back ahead of Orlando Pirates, who had briefly claimed first place earlier in the day following a victory in the Soweto Derby. Sundowns currently hold a one-point advantage over their Soweto rivals, though they have contested one game more.
The Pretoria-based side has enjoyed an unbeaten start to the current campaign, with their only dropped points occurring in 1-1 away draws against Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs. Accumulating eight wins and two draws, Sundowns have secured 26 points from their opening 10 fixtures, representing a five-point improvement compared to the same stage last season.
While the present campaign represents an impressive opening stretch, Sundowns have recorded even stronger starts in two of the preceding three seasons. In the 2023/24 campaign, the club collected a maximum of 30 points from their first 10 outings and extended their winning streak to 11 matches before a goalless draw at Cape Town City, ultimately lifting the league trophy by a record margin of 23 points.
During the 2024/25 season, Sundowns gathered 27 points from their first 10 fixtures, suffering only a 1-0 loss to Polokwane City while going on to win 14 of their first 15 league matches. They also matched their current tally of 26 points at the ten-game mark during the 2021/22 campaign.
The current form marks a notable bounce-back from the 2025/26 season, when Sundowns managed 21 points from their first 10 games. That campaign concluded with the club finishing as runners-up to Pirates, bringing an end to their streak of eight consecutive league championships. Despite their positive start, history indicates there remains significant work ahead as Sundowns attempt to reclaim their domestic crown.