Aubrey Modiba backs new signings to fuel Mamelodi Sundowns’ trophy hunt

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba believes the club’s January transfer business has strengthened their push across all competitions as the Brazilians prepare for the second half of the season.

Sundowns recently confirmed the signings of Bafana Bafana defender Khulumane Ndamane, Colombian striker Bryan Leon, and winger Monnapule Saleng — whose move from Orlando Pirates has been the headline act of the transfer window. Modiba welcomed the additions, highlighting the importance of squad depth as Sundowns continue to compete on multiple fronts.

“Very good signings for us; hopefully they can help us,” said Modiba. “They’re bringing quality and depth to the team so that we can do well in the Nedbank Cup and defend our league title, with also the Champions League to play for.”

The Brazilians head into the second half of the campaign under pressure to deliver silverware, particularly in the Nedbank Cup — a competition that has proved elusive in recent seasons despite their domestic dominance.

Sundowns were knocked out in the semi-finals last season by Kaizer Chiefs, a year after suffering defeat to Orlando Pirates in the final, leaving a lingering sense of unfinished business.

“This is a tournament that has eluded us for a long time,” Modiba admitted. “We’ve lost in the final before and we want to do better than last season, where we lost in the semi-finals, and hopefully win it.”

While the Nedbank Cup remains a priority, Sundowns’ league ambitions are just as pressing. They currently sit second on the Betway Premiership standings and are chasing leaders Orlando Pirates as they look to defend their crown.

The arrival of Saleng adds further intrigue to that pursuit, with the winger expected to provide creativity and an attacking spark, while Leon is seen as the key to sharpening Sundowns’ cutting edge in front of goal.

Ndamane, meanwhile, bolsters defensive options at a time when squad rotation will be essential as fixtures pile up.

Sundowns resume league action with a home fixture against Orbit College, who are enjoying their maiden season in the Betway Premiership. Despite Orbit’s status as newcomers, Modiba warned against complacency.

“It's going to be a tough game for us because we haven’t played them at all this season,” he said. “So we have to do our research; we expect a tough one.”

For Sundowns, the second round of the season represents a delicate balancing act: defending their league title, chasing long-awaited Nedbank Cup success, and maintaining momentum in the CAF Champions League.

With new faces settling in at Chloorkop, Modiba’s message is clear: the tools are there. Now, Sundowns must make them count.