Key Sundowns players under the spotlight as Premiership return looms

The 2025/26 Betway Premiership is shaping up to be one of the most compelling seasons in recent memory. With the league set to resume later this month, Mamelodi Sundowns will need to hit the ground running, calling on the full depth of their squad as they look to keep Orlando Pirates at bay in an increasingly competitive title race.

The calendar year 2025 delivered further success for the Brazilians, as they secured a record-breaking eighth league title, adding yet another chapter to their dominance of domestic football. 

However, the defeat in the Caf Champions League final proved a bitter setback, and the focus now shifts to finally overcoming a continental hurdle that has eluded them for much of the past decade.

Currently second on the Betway Premiership standings, Sundowns are also heavily represented at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, with several players away on international duty with Bafana Bafana. 

This presents head coach Miguel Cardoso with the challenge of keeping the remaining squad members sharp, as they will be required to produce immediate results upon the league’s return, starting with a fixture against Orbit College at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

With the season yet to fully ignite and fixtures set to come thick and fast—including the return of Champions League action—attention will turn to individuals who must step up when called upon. Here, we highlight three players who will need to find top form to help Sundowns maintain their pursuit of silverware.

Fawaaz Basadien

Perhaps the unluckiest of the trio, Basadien has endured a frustrating start to life at Sundowns following his move from Stellenbosch FC at the beginning of the campaign. Limited opportunities have seen the 29-year-old struggle to cement a regular place in the starting XI.

A consistent performer for both Stellenbosch and Bafana Bafana in recent seasons, Basadien has since fallen out of national team contention — a situation that could place his hopes of featuring at the upcoming Fifa World Cup in jeopardy if it does not improve.

Strong competition from established internationals Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba has made the task even tougher, but Basadien’s quality is undeniable. When opportunities do arise, he will need to make them count to ensure his move to Chloorkop ultimately delivers the rewards he will be striving for.

Lebo Mothiba

With five league appearances and just one goal to his name, Cardoso has nonetheless shown faith in the former Strasbourg striker, who arrived with valuable French Ligue 1 experience. While opportunities have been limited, there have been flashes of the quality and presence Mothiba can offer in Sundowns’ attacking setup.

At a club where chances are often scarce and competition fierce, the 29-year-old will need to find his rhythm quickly. 

With Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners also vying for attacking roles, Mothiba’s ability to add value — particularly with Champions League football returning — could prove significant. However, settling into the team and delivering consistency will be crucial if he is to make a lasting impact.

Jayden Adams

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted young talents in the country, Jayden Adams’ move from Stellies showed early promise before his momentum stalled. A dip in form has seen the midfielder struggle for consistent game time during the early stages of the campaign.

Despite that, his quality remains unquestioned, and he is among the players likely to be afforded further opportunities as the season unfolds. Cardoso will be eager to see Adams rediscover the form that not only made him a standout at club level but also earned him regular involvement with Bafana, as Sundowns look to unlock his influence in midfield once more.