The Rise of Mamelodi Sundowns – Stellenbosch
Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC may seem like an unlikely pairing in the world of South African football. One team hails from the bustling township of Mamelodi, while the other is based in the serene wine region of Stellenbosch. However, their partnership has proven to be a successful one, both on and off the field.
Mamelodi Sundowns, also known as “The Brazilians”, is one of the most decorated clubs in South Africa. Founded in 1970, they have won numerous league titles and cups, including a record-breaking nine Premier Soccer League (PSL) championships. On the other hand, Stellenbosch FC was only established in 2016 and gained promotion to the PSL just four years later.
The partnership between these two clubs began when businessman Jomo Sono purchased ownership of Stellenbosch FC in 2019. Sono is a legendary figure in South African football and is also the owner of Jomo Cosmos – another PSL club. He saw potential in combining forces with Mamelodi Sundowns and utilizing their resources to elevate Stellenbosch FC’s status.
Discover Mamelodi Sundowns – Stellenbosch
Since joining forces with Mamelodi Sundowns, there have been significant improvements for Stellenbosch FC both on and off the field. The club has seen an increase in attendance at matches due to their new partnership with The Brazilians. They have also gained access to top-quality training facilities at Mamelodi Sundowns’ base at Chloorkop.
On top of that, players from both teams have been able to benefit from this partnership. Mamelodi Sundowns has loaned some of their young talents to Stellenbosch FC, giving them valuable game time and experience in the PSL. This has also allowed The Brazilians to keep an eye on their players’ development and potentially bring them back to their squad in the future.
Mamelodi Sundowns – Stellenbosch: A Winning Combination
The success of this partnership is evident on the field as well. In the 2020/2021 season, Stellenbosch FC finished in a respectable seventh place in the PSL, their highest ever league finish. They also managed to beat top teams such as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs with the help of players loaned from Mamelodi Sundowns.
One standout player for Stellenbosch FC has been Phathutshedzo Nange – a midfielder loaned from Mamelodi Sundowns. Nange’s impressive performances for The Maroons earned him a permanent move to the club, solidifying his role as an integral part of their squad.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs
As two of South Africa’s biggest football clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs have a long-standing rivalry on the field. But off the field, there seems to be mutual respect between these two teams.
In recent years, Mamelodi Sundowns has dominated this rivalry with multiple wins over Kaizer Chiefs. However, with Stellenbosch FC now being backed by The Brazilians’ resources, it could prove to be a more evenly matched battle between these two giants of South African football.
Pros / Cons
Pros:
– Increased attendance at matches for both teams
– Access to top-quality training facilities for Stellenbosch FC
– Loan opportunities for young players from Mamelodi Sundowns
Cons:
– Some fans may not be happy with the partnership between these two clubs
– Potential conflicts of interest between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC players
FAQ
Q: Will Stellenbosch FC become a feeder club for Mamelodi Sundowns?
A: No, the partnership between these two clubs is more focused on player development and mutual benefits.
Q: How has this partnership affected ticket prices for matches?
A: There have been no significant changes in ticket prices since the partnership was established.
Q: Will there be more loan deals between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC in the future?
A: It is highly likely that there will be more loan deals as both teams continue to benefit from this partnership.
