Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Brent Carelse has nothing but admiration for his old club, as they continue to raise the bar in South African football. After securing a record-breaking eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, Sundowns are once again the talk of the league.
While some critics claim the club’s financial muscle is ruining local competition, Carelse sees it differently. In his view, Sundowns are simply doing what successful clubs should do: improving every season and aiming higher.
“They’re doing things the right way,” Carelse told KickOff. “If you’re not constantly working to get better, what are you even doing in football?”
The former midfielder, born in Westbury, believes that clubs like Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC, and AmaZulu FC—who all have the potential and resources—should view Sundowns’ dominance as a wake-up call, not an excuse.
With Sundowns potentially pocketing nearly R100 million from their CAF Champions League campaign and participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, many wonder if local clubs should forget about chasing domestic glory.
Carelse strongly disagrees.
“No, I don’t think that’s the case at all. Yes, they’ll earn more and probably strengthen the squad again, but that’s normal in professional football,” he said.
“People say it’s boring or unfair, but that’s not the issue. Sundowns work to improve every year so they can compete on the biggest stages like the CAF Champions League and the Club World Cup. That’s their ambition—and it’s why they keep winning.”
He added that Sundowns aren’t going to slow down or wait for others to catch up.
“If they dominate the league for another five to seven years, it’s because they’re doing things right. The challenge is now for the other clubs to step up and raise their standards.”
Carelse wrapped up with a playful jab, highlighting just how far ahead Sundowns currently are.
“Maybe next season we’ll have to start calling it the ‘Premier Sundowns League’—because they’re running away with it,” he laughed.
