Big changes are coming to Mamelodi Sundowns, and it’s got everyone talking. The team just had a huge season, winning the Betway Premiership again and making it to the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC. They’re also gearing up for the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025, where they’ll face tough teams like Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense. But even with all this success, the club is planning a major shake-up, and up to 10 players might be leaving—including their star striker, Peter Shalulile.
Shalulile, a Namibian forward, has been a big deal at Sundowns for years. Since joining in 2020, he’s scored over 100 goals for the club, making him one of the best strikers in South African football history. Just last month, he played his 50th match in continental competitions for Sundowns during the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld. But this season hasn’t been easy for him. He’s been hit with injuries and hasn’t been scoring like he used to—his last goal was back on April 1 in the quarterfinals against Esperance. Posts on X even show fans noticing his struggles, with some saying he’s lost his spark, though many still cheer for him, hoping he’ll bounce back.
Now, word is Sundowns might let him go. Sources say the club wants to bring in new, younger players to keep the team fresh for the 2025/26 season. They’re looking at talents like Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC and Ime Okon from SuperSport United to add speed and depth. Other players like Sipho Mbule, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ricardo Goss, Sifiso Ngobeni, and Luvuyo Phewa are also on the list to leave, mostly because they haven’t been playing much under coach Rulani Mokwena. The club wants to cut down on wages too, so they can build a squad that can keep winning for years.
Shalulile’s possible exit has fans split. Some think it’s time for a change, especially since he’s 31 and has been off form. There’s even talk on X about him saying, “This is my last league medal, I will see you guys some other time,” after Sundowns won the title last week, hinting he might be leaving. Rumors say clubs like Al-Hilal SC in the Middle East are interested, and with his contract ending in June 2025, a move could happen soon. But others feel it’s a shame to let go of a player who’s done so much, like scoring in big games—like the 1-1 draw against AS FAR that got Sundowns to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals earlier this year.
Sundowns are thinking big. They’ve got R265 million coming from the CAF final and Club World Cup, and they want to use it to build a team that can dominate Africa and make a mark globally. Shalulile himself said in a FIFA interview that the team’s goal is to get out of the group stage at the Club World Cup, showing they’re not just there to make up the numbers. But with new players coming in, it looks like the club is ready to start a fresh chapter, even if it means saying goodbye to some of their biggest stars.
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