Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will renew their rivalry when they go toe-to-toe on Saturday at the FNB Stadium. The anticipation around this encounter is rapidly increasing as both teams come into this fixture unbeaten for the start of the 2024/25 season.
Kaizer Chiefs were founded in 1970 by Kaizer Motaung, the Chiefs, also known as “Amakhosi,” quickly became one of the most successful and popular teams in South Africa. Chiefs have won 13 league titles in total (four in the PSL era) and over 42 Cup trophies.
That being said, Chiefs hold the most trophies amongst all clubs in South Africa and are the most successful team in South African football history since the start of the topflight in 1970. They are the most supported club in the country which led to them being dubbed “The Biggest Club” in Southern Africa.
Mamelodi Sundowns was established in the 1960s, Sundowns, often called “The Brazilians” due to their playing style and kit resembling the Brazilian national team, have also grown into a dominant force in South African football. Sundowns have won 17 league titles including the last seven which they went on to win in fine style along with the CAF Champions League in 2016, CAF Super Cup in 2017, and the first African Football League (AFL) in 2023.
The club takes pride in its unique style and has become the blueprint or face of South African football in recent years as they continue to break records and set records that will last for many years.
This rivalry is not just about the matches but also about the pride and passion of the fans and the history that both clubs carry. Both teams boast large and passionate fan bases, making their encounters highly anticipated events in the South African football calendar.
Rothmans Cup:
Chiefs and Sundowns have produced many iconic moments over the years. The 1998 Rothmans Cup final will forever live in the memory of their fans as one of the most thrilling finishes to a Cup final. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Chiefs emerged victorious, winning 2-1 on penalties, despite Sundowns having a legitimate goal by Joel ‘Fire’ Masilela disallowed which would have won the game for the Brazilians in regular time.
The BP Top 8:
The 2001 BP Top 8 Final produced high drama and was another intense encounter that ended 2-2, with Chiefs winning 7-6 on penalties. This match is particularly remembered for Sundowns’ Daniel Mudau slapping his teammate Charles Motlohi for refusing to take a penalty. Mudau was substituted and could not take a penalty, and the spot-kick was taken by Michael Manzini, who missed, allowing Cyril Nzama to slot in the sudden death penalty that earned Amakhosi the R1 million.
Telkom Knockout Cup:
The 2007 Telkom Knockout Cup Final was the rise of arguably the best goalkeeper South Africa has produced, Itumeleng Khune. This goalless draw led to a penalty shootout where Chiefs won 3-2. A young Itumeleng Khune was the hero of the shootout, saving three penalties, Esrom Nyandoro, Peter Ndlovu, and Patrick Apataki all missing.
The match itself was an entertaining affair as Brian Baloyi, in the colours of the Brazilians, denied Mabhuti Khenyeza twice and also kept out Shaun Bartlett in extra time. Surprise Moriri and Ndlovu wasted Sundowns’ best chances with Amakhosi going on to lift the title.
The 2015 Telkom Knockout Final in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium was a statement by the Brazilians as their growing dominance in South African football was starting to take shape. Downs were in control from the outset as Leonardo Castro put them in front with a fourth-minute header.
Thabo Nthethe headed in Teko Modise’s free-kick to make it 2-0 six minutes after the break. Amakhosi received two penalties in quick succession, but Denis Onyango pulled off saves to deny both Siphiwe Tshabalala and Camaldine Abraw from the spot. The Brazilians got their third goal through a sublime finish by Hlompho Kekana before Abraw netted a late consolation.
The MTN8:
The 2021 MTN8 Quarter Final was a rare Sundowns penalty shootout win against Chiefs. Goals by Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane gave Sundowns the early lead, but Chiefs replied with two goals of their own by Bernard Parker and Khama Billiat to end the game 2-2 after extra time. Sundowns went on to win 2-1 on penalties, marking only their second shootout victory over Chiefs in eight attempts.
These moments highlight the intensity and drama that characterize the Chiefs vs Sundowns rivalry. Each match brings its own set of memorable moments, making this rivalry one of the most exciting in South African football.
Written by Marc Strydom.