Sundowns' wealth sees Chiefs, Pirates lagging

MAMELODI Sundowns will receive an impressive R174 million just for participating in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, as well as R36 million for each victory during the group stage.

- HERMAN GIBBS

This substantial financial injection will enable Sundowns to easily maintain and enhance their stronghold in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), ensuring their ongoing dominance in domestic football.

However, this development is rather ominous for the PSL's two glamour teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Both clubs boast a rich history and monumental fan-bases, often highlighted by the 'sold out' Soweto Derbies, where passion and rivalry ignite stadiums.

Chiefs and Pirates have also enjoyed the thrill of several capacity crowds over the past two seasons.

Until recently, Chiefs have not won a trophy in a decade, but they continue to attract lucrative sponsorships based on their pulling power, despite dwindling crowds.

Yet, as Sundowns' dominance continues to grow, these storied franchises appear increasingly destined to remain in the shadows of their Chloorkop rivals.