Masandawana made five signings ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, roping in Brazilian striker Arthur Sales, Iqraam Rayners and winger Kobamelo Kodisang to bolster their attack, as well as defenders Asekho Tiwani and Kegan Johannes.

The Chloorkop based side also revealed Manqoba Mngqithi as the head coach following the departure of Rhulani Mokwena following the 2023/24 campaign.

The team began their season with some unconvincing performances in the MTN8, where they were knocked out in their two-legged semi-final by eventual runners-up Stellenbosch.

Mngqithi's side then started banging in the goals, scoring 21 times in their next six matches in all competitions, including a 5-0 hammering of Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout cup.

A surprise 1-0 loss followed against Polokwane City in the league, but Sundowns progressed to the final of the Carling Knockout, where they lost 2-1 against top-flight newcomers Magesi FC, despite having led at half-time.

The Tshwane giants then went on a four-match winning streak in the Betway Premiership without conceding a goal, but struggled in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League group stage, winning only one of their last three matches.

The CAF form saw the club replace head coach Manqoba Mngqithi with Portuguese mentor Miguel Cardoso, as they looked to strengthen their challenge for the continental title.

Ka Bo Yellow also signed Argentine defender Lucas Suarez, Keanu Cupido and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams during the January transfer window to bolster their squad.

Sundowns would win the first four matches under Cardoso, scoring three goals or more in each of those fixtures including a 4-1 hammering of title-chasing Orlando Pirates that included a superb solo effort from Brazilian star Lucas Ribeiro at a packed Loftus Versveld Stadium.

The Portuguese coach suffered his first loss against a determined TS Galaxy before winning six of the club's next seven matches and progressing to the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals.

In March, the team would suffer what would become their final defeat in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season against a Relebohile Mofokeng inspired Orlando Pirates, a match where Sundowns found themselves 2-0 down within the first five minutes.

The team advanced to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after a 1-0 win in extra-time against a stubborn Sekhukhune United and then defeated Esperance to set up a CAF Champions League semi-final against Al Ahly.

Sundowns then squandered a half time lead against Kaizer Chiefs in their Nedbank Cup semi-final clash, losing the match 2-1 after an 89th minute goal by substitute Ashley Du Preez.

A gutsy performance followed in Egypt in the second leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final, with Masandawana forcing a Yasser Ibrahim own goal in the last minute to draw the match 1-1 and win under the away goals rule.

On the 7th of May, The Brazilians secured the Betway Premiership title following a 3-0 victory against Chippa United, with three matches left to play in the league.

Miguel Cardoso's side remarkably did not concede a single goal in their last six fixtures in the league, scoring two or more goals in each of those matches.

The Tshwane giants then battled for the continental title against first time finalists Pyramids FC, who had eliminated fellow PSL outfit Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals.

An injury-time Walid El Karti equalizer at Loftus cancelled out Lucas Ribeiro's 55th-minute opener for Sundowns, compelling the team to score an away goal in Egypt.

However, Pyramids took the lead midway through the first half of the second leg clash courtesy of in-form DR Congo striker Fiston Mayele before doubling the lead with an Ahmed Samy header in the 56th minute.

Iqraam Rayners managed to claw Masandawana back into the tie with a 75th-minute strike, but the team could not find a second goal, condemning the South African champions to a 3-2 defeat on aggregate.

The team departed for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup following the regular season, opting against using the special transfer window granted to participants in order to sign new players ahead of the tournament.

Sundowns collected their first win in the tournament against Ulsan HD courtesy of a solitary Iqraam Rayners goal, with the Bafana Bafana striker seeing two other goals being denied by VAR.

The South African team went onto win the hearts of many globally with a spirited performance against German giants Borussia Dortmund, rallying back from 4-1 down to lose the match 4-3.

Failure to convert the few big chances against Fluminense in the final group clash saw Sundowns bow out of the Club World Cup following the goalless draw against the Brazilian team.

The team will now have a chance to prepare the squad with Miguel Cardoso having a chance to work with the squad during the pre-season.

It is certain that there will be changes in the playing squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, with some players perhaps attracting foreign interest after some impressive performances at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Here are a few key stats from Masandawana's season:

Key player - Lucas Ribeiro (35 goal contributions - 21 goals, 14 assists)
Top goal scorer - Iqraam Rayners (24 goals)
Most minutes - Marcelo Allende (4055 minutes played)
Clean sheets - 35 (Ronwen Williams - 23, Denis Onyango - 9, Jody February - 3)

Bongani Zungu > Career > Personal life > Stats