After a lengthy pre-season, the Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team are back in action and ready to kick-off their 2026/2027 season on the road. Their first encounter of the season presents them with a challenge against the Durban City Reserves on Saturday afternoon at the Princess Magogo Stadium.
A new season presents the Pretoria-based side with a fresh squad, having gone younger. Looking ahead to the new season, with the same desire to challenge for the DStv Diski Challenge title, head coach, Tiro van Rooyen previewed the season and touch on his what his vision for the team this season is.
“We have a very exciting and young squad this season. We’ve got an opportunity to build and present to the Club players who should be given a pathway and an opportunity to thrive.”
In the previous season, the young Brazilians came so close to clinching what would have been their second Reserve League title but slipped in the final stage, finishing second. While that was a heartbreaking ending for them, coach Tiro says that has allowed them to fight to improve this season so they can have a better chance at winning it.
“Not winning it last season was a blessing. So, we now have an opportunity to be better in building a good squad, good culture and good standards. We want players to demand more for themselves and set a creative environment so they may flourish,” the coach stated.
The match between Bafana Ba Style and Durban City will be the curtain raiser to the 2026/27 campaign. While they don’t know what to expect from the KwaZulu-Natal based side, the Downs coach believes it’s going to be a thriller of an encounter. He further touched on the DNA of their opponents which gives them a slight idea of what to expect in Durban.
“Naturally, any match Sundowns plays is a final. We expect a highly aggressive and physical Durban City side. They will try to steal the ball from us. We will need to dominate, secure the passes and play in the area of the pitch we are comfortable in. It’s going to be an exciting game and we look forward to starting the season on a high note.”
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team will do clash with the Durban City Reserves for their opening match. The fixture has been scheduled for 13H00 on Saturday at the Princess Magogo Stadium, live on SuperSport TV.
