Mamelodi Sundowns: Africa's Big Spenders In Football

Holifil

04 Apr, 2025

PSL powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns leads the pack as Africa's highest-spending club, outpacing giants like Al Ahly, Esperance, and Wydad.
In the January transfer window, Sundowns added Jayden Adams, Keanu Cupido, and secured Argentine World Cup defender Lucas Suarez on loan.
Local football enthusiasts are split, with some praising Sundowns' investment and others urging the club to prove its worth in the CAF Champions League.

Listen up, football fans—Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning PSL champions, have taken the crown as Africa's biggest spenders in the football world, according to FIFA. This isn't just a casual splurge; it's a calculated move to solidify their dominance on the continent. While the exact numbers haven't been fully disclosed, we do know Sundowns dropped a staggering R63 million on Brazilian striker Arthur Sales and splashed out another R45 million for Jayden Adams this season. Now that's what I call serious investment!

Brazilian striker Arthur Sales made a R63 million move to Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the 2024/2025 season. Image: Masandawana. Source: Twitter

During the January transfer window, Sundowns didn't slow down. They locked in Jayden Adams and Keanu Cupido, along with securing Argentine World Cup defender Lucas Suarez on loan. It’s clear that coach Miguel Cardoso is building a squad capable of making waves not just locally, but on the continental stage as well.

Sundowns: Africa's Premier Big Spenders

Here’s the deal: Sundowns is officially recognized as one of Africa's biggest spenders. The club's financial muscle is unmatched, as highlighted in the tweet below. But what does this mean? It means Sundowns isn’t messing around—they're serious about competing at the highest level.

Read also:
When Siblings Discover Their Parents Love Letters A Tiktok Hit

Their January signings were just the icing on the cake, joining a roster that already includes the R63 million-rated Arthur Sales, who has slowly started to win over skeptics with his impressive performances. Since joining the club, Sales has netted three goals and provided five assists across all competitions. Not bad for a guy who came with such high expectations, right?

But Sales isn't alone. Sundowns also invested heavily in Kobamleo Kodisang, Asekho Tiwani, and current PSL top scorer Iqraam Rayners. It’s a squad that's stacked with talent and ambition. Sundowns even welcomed their January signings with open arms on their Twitter (X) profile, showing just how excited they are about the future.

Coach Miguel Cardoso: Setting the Tone

Coach Miguel Cardoso has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the club. Since taking over, he's been laser-focused on creating a winning culture that builds on the club's legacy of four consecutive PSL titles. Right now, Sundowns sit three points clear at the top of the log, but Cardoso knows there’s more work to be done.

He’s sent a clear message to his new signings: earning a spot in this squad won’t be easy. Competition is fierce, and every player will have to fight tooth and nail for their place. After all, Sundowns isn’t just chasing domestic glory—they're gunning for success in the CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup too.

Of course, the road hasn’t been without bumps. Sundowns suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup on November 23, 2024. It was a wake-up call, reminding everyone that even the best teams can stumble. But this setback won't stop Sundowns from pushing forward.

Jayden Adams and Keanu Cupido joined PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns during the January transfer window. Image: Masandawana. Source: Twitter

Fans Weigh In: Is Sundowns' Spending Justified?

The fans? Well, they’ve got a lot to say. Social media has been buzzing with opinions about Sundowns' spending spree. Some supporters believe the club's investments are justified, pointing to their status as a football powerhouse. Others, however, argue that Sundowns needs to deliver on the continental stage—specifically in the CAF Champions League—to validate their financial ambitions.

Read also:
A South African Artist Makes Waves With His Unique Lipstick Art

Mohumelelo Ngubeni summed it up perfectly: "Sundowns is the sign of a big team." He’s not wrong. Sundowns’ dominance in the PSL speaks for itself. Glen Lindo added another layer to the conversation: "The only club on the list from the sub-Saharan region is number one. I'm not a Sundowns fan, but this speaks volumes." Even non-fans can recognize the club's influence.

Not everyone is on board, though. Stan Mda chimed in, saying, "When it comes to spending and bidding wars, you won't see Bobby even in the top 100 of big spenders." He's clearly calling out Kaizer Chiefs, suggesting they need to step up their game. Meanwhile, Bognor Regis emphasized the importance of results: "They should show returns as well! You spend so much and get so much in return." It's a fair point—investments need to translate into trophies.

Ubhuti Maninginingi Lo was blunt: "They will fail to win CCL; with all that money! Losers of note those ones." Oof, harsh words. On the flip side, Victor Thabo Malekane believes spending is essential: "If your team name is not there, then don't ever think your team will win the league. That's a dream." It’s a bold statement, but it highlights the reality of modern football—money talks.

Happie Thomo offered a dissenting view: "No matter how much they spend, it won't change the fact that they only dominate PSL. They don't dominate any domestic cups or continental cups." It’s true—domestic success is great, but winning on the continent would take Sundowns to another level.

Tman Hloni questioned the value of Sundowns' spending: "Sundowns keep spending billions for R20 million." Clearly, he thinks the club overspends. But Lesilo Rula had a different take: "You have to spend money to make money." Wise words, indeed. Finally, Gloria Olisawoli Okon criticized Kaizer Chiefs: "Kaizer Chiefs spend more on their management team." It seems the rivalry between these two clubs runs deep.

Fans Debate Keanu Cupido's Move to Sundowns

The signing of Keanu Cupido from Cape Town City has sparked plenty of debate among local football fans. As reported by Briefly News, Cupido's arrival during the January transfer window has divided opinions. Some fans doubt his ability, questioning whether he fits the Sundowns mold. Others believe he could be a hidden gem, capable of stepping up his game under the guidance of coach Miguel Cardoso.

It’s a familiar story in football—new signings often face scrutiny until they prove themselves on the pitch. Only time will tell if Cupido can silence the critics and become a key player for Sundowns. One thing's for sure: the pressure is on, and the expectations are sky-high.