Mamelodi Sundowns Aim for Glory in CAF Champions League Final Showdown

Pretoria, South Africa - On June 20, 2025, the spotlight is shining brightly on Tashreeq Matthews and his team, Mamelodi Sundowns, as they prepare for the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC. Matthews, who joined Borussia Dortmund as a teenager in November 2018, has returned to South Africa under the banner of Sundowns, and he’s eager for glory.

After a journey through various European clubs like Utrecht and Helsingborg, then on to Varberg and Sirius in Sweden, Matthews made a homecoming to South Africa in January 2024. His arrival at Mamelodi Sundowns was marked by a hefty transfer fee of R30 million, a move that saw him leave behind the European landscape amid interest from other teams. Matthews is now gearing up for a new chapter after spending time yet not winning major trophies overseas.

The Road to the Final

With the final contest set to take place soon at Loftus Versfeld, Matthews is well aware of the stakes involved. „Returning to the best team in South Africa and winning trophies has been rewarding,“ he shared, reflecting on his decision to join Sundowns. In the past season alone, he played 21 matches, netted 5 goals, and dished out 6 assists, contributing significantly to his team’s recent league title win.

Coach Pitso Mosimane’s legacy looms large over the club; he was at the helm when Sundowns clinched their first and only African Champions League title in 2016, defeating Zamalek 3-1 in the aggregate final. Since then, Sundowns has become a formidable force in African football, consistently reaching the late stages of the CAF Champions League each year. They aim to add a second title to their accolades, especially following the heart-wrenching loss to Pyramids FC in the last final.

Confidence and Culture

As the team sets its sights on this elusive trophy, Matthews emphasizes the unpredictability of finals but remains confident in his team’s culture of striving for victory in every match. “Even in friendlies, we aim to win,” he points out. The combination of seasoned veterans and emerging talent reflects Sundowns’ philosophy of blending experience with youth—from players like Themba Zwane, the current captain, who recently contributed to South Africa’s third-place finish at the Africa Cup 2024.

Mamelodi Sundowns has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of South African football since its founding in the early 1960s. After moving to Mamelodi, the club has dominated the local league since the 2017/2018 season. Not only does this history fill fans with pride, but it has also set a foundation for their ongoing success on the continental stage.

Looking Ahead

Beyond the CAF Champions League final, Mamelodi Sundowns has also secured its place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, an opportunity that comes as a reward for their accomplishments in African football. As the second leg of the CAF Champions League final draws closer, all eyes will be on Matthews and his teammates. With their passion and drive, one can say there’s something to be said for the spirit of Mamelodi Sundowns.

For further details on this thrilling matchup, visit Borussia Dortmund, The Star, and Bets.co.za.