Komphela: ‘Mamelodi Sundowns show starts again’

Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela has sent a New Year message to the South African team’s players and fans, challenging them to forget the past and aim for greatness in 2026.

In a recorded message shared on the club’s official Facebook page, the former Kaizer Chiefs handler said the Pretoria-based giants cannot change what happened in the year 2025, but can aspire for more this year.

“Looking back at 2025, let me forget what happened yesterday rather than focus on what will happen. Let us welcome Masadawana to 2026 back again,” Komphela said

“The show starts again. Whatever had been, has been. Whatever will be at least we will dictate terms to that.

“Looking back at 2025, all of you Masandawana, let us start this season with great hope, vigour, excitement and commitment.”

Komphela added: “The contract and the promise you make with yourself in 2026 must be kept. Your word must be your bond. It must come from a deep bond of conviction that 2026 is the year that you will make a difference.

“Above all, those whose hopes are dependent on you, you must continually be inspired by your greatness and willingness in wanting to achieve more. It is a beautiful life and everything that will happen, will happen the way we wish to see.

A look at Sundowns’ CAF Champions League diary

Sundowns have a crammed diary as they chase silverware on all fronts, including in the CAF Champions League.

Last year, Miguel Cardoso’s side lost in the final of the continental league to Pyramids FC of Egypt. This year, the Betway Premiership champions have once again made it into the Champions League group stages.

Sundowns drew 0-0 in the last Champions League match away to Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger in December. The next continental league assignment for the PSL giants will be at home against Al Hilal on the weekend of January 23 before travelling to Sudan for the reverse fixture.

A trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a dance with St Eloi Lupopo will follow in the first week of February before welcoming Mokwena and his MC Alger a week later in Pretoria.