Mamelodi Sundowns begin a demanding stretch of cup football on Saturday when they take on AFC Champions League holders Al Ahli in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup, with a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at stake.
The clash in Saudi Arabia represents Sundowns’ first opportunity to add silverware to their 2026/27 campaign, but Miguel Cardoso’s side could have several more trophies to chase before the end of the year.
Should Sundowns overcome Al Ahli, they will advance to December’s Challenger Cup, where they will face the winners of the Derby of the Americas.
Another victory would take the South African champions into the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Intercontinental Cup features three stages, with prize money ranging from USD1 million (about R16.3 million) to USD5 million (about R81 million).
Sundowns’ packed schedule does not end with their continental commitments.
On October 10, they will meet Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final, with the winners guaranteed R10 million.
Less than a month later, Sundowns will return to continental action when they face USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup on November 8. The winners will pocket USD500,000 (approximately R8.1 million), while the runners-up will receive USD250,000 (about R4.07 million).
The sequence means Sundowns could potentially contest a major final or compete for a trophy in three successive months.
They could also add another final to that run through the Carling Knockout.
The competition starts on October 24 and ends on December 12, with Sundowns needing to navigate the Last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals before reaching the showpiece. The eventual winners will collect R6.85 million.
Beyond the early-season cup competitions, Cardoso’s squad remains involved in the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League.
Their Champions League campaign still requires them to negotiate a final qualifying-round tie against Angolan side Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela SAD in October. Progression from that tie would secure a place in the group stage.
Sundowns are also chasing further additions to an already extensive trophy collection.
