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Where Sundowns’ start to the league season ranks among recent campaigns

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Durban City 4-1 on Saturday
Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Durban City 4-1 on SaturdayDurban City

Mamelodi Sundowns top the Betway Premiership table with an impressive 26 points from a possible 30 after 10 games this season, but remarkably it is only their joint third-best start to a campaign in the past decade.

Sundowns thumped Durban City 4-1 on Saturday to regain top spot in the league after briefly being overtaken by Orlando Pirates, who won the Soweto Derby earlier in the day.

The Brazilians lead Pirates by a point, although they have played a game more than their Soweto rivals.

Sundowns remain unbeaten in the league this season, with their only dropped points coming in 1-1 away draws against Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs.

But they have made even better starts in two of the previous three seasons.

They took a maximum 30 points from their first 10 games in 2023/24 and went on to win their opening 11 matches before being held to a 0-0 draw away at Cape Town City.

They eventually romped to the league title by a record 23 points that season.

Sundowns also collected 27 points from their first 10 matches in 2024/25, their only blemish a shock 1-0 defeat at Polokwane City. They went on to win 14 of their opening 15 league fixtures.

They also had 26 points at this stage in 2021/22, while their current tally is five better than at the same point last season.

In 2025/26, Sundowns had 21 points from their first 10 games and eventually finished second behind Pirates, ending their run of eight consecutive league titles.

This season's return of eight wins and two draws from 10 matches represents another strong start, but history suggests there is still plenty of work ahead if they are to reclaim their crown.

The Betway Premiership is never short of drama as Orlando Pirates ended Mamelodi Sundowns' eight-year reign as champions last season. Kaizer Chiefs are hoping to become genuine title contenders again this year. Keep up to date with the latest news, analysis, incredible statistics and more.

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Mamelodi Sundowns

Points from first 10 league games in the past 10 seasons

2026/27: 26

2025/26: 21

2024/25: 27

2023/24: 30

2022/23: 22

2021/22: 26

2020/21: 24

2019/20: 18

2018/19: 18

2017/18: 19

 

Nick Said has been covering African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa and you can follow him on X and LinkedIn.

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