Aeden Manell
Mamelodi Sundowns have become one of Africa’s most successful football clubs through ambitious ownership, strong player recruitment and high-level coaching. The club’s greatest coaches have delivered league titles, domestic trophies and continental success.soccerladuma.co
This editorial ranking considers trophies, long-term impact and influence on the identity of the Brazilians.
1. Pitso Mosimane
Pitso Mosimane is the greatest coach in Mamelodi Sundowns history. He won multiple league titles, domestic cups, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup during his time at Chloorkop.
Mosimane guided Sundowns to the 2016 CAF Champions League title, giving the club its first continental crown. His tactical flexibility, man-management and ability to build title-winning teams made him the defining coach of the modern Sundowns era.kickoff
2. Ted Dumitru
Ted Dumitru played a major role in establishing Sundowns as a dominant domestic force. He won back-to-back league titles with the club in 1997/98 and 1998/99.
Dumitru’s teams were known for their technical football and attacking quality. His influence helped shape the foundations for the success Sundowns would later achieve.soccerladuma.co
3. Hristo Stoichkov
Hristo Stoichkov brought international profile and a demanding winning mentality to Sundowns. Although his coaching spell was relatively short, the former Ballon d’Or winner helped raise expectations around professionalism and elite standards.
His appointment reflected Sundowns’ ambition to become more than a domestic powerhouse. The club wanted to compete with the best teams in Africa.
4. Rulani Mokwena
Rulani Mokwena played a major role in Sundowns’ recent domestic dominance. His tactical approach emphasised controlled possession, intelligent pressing and flexibility in attacking areas.
Mokwena’s success showed that South African coaches could lead a squad filled with international players and high expectations. His work continued Sundowns’ reputation for playing modern, possession-based football.
5. Miguel Cardoso
Miguel Cardoso represents the latest chapter in Sundowns’ coaching history. He took over a high-pressure role at a club expected to compete for every available trophy.
His early work has focused on tactical adjustments, squad development and building consistency amid injury challenges. His long-term position in Sundowns history will depend on whether he can convert this work into major domestic and continental trophies.
Conclusion
Pitso Mosimane stands above every other Sundowns coach because of the scale of his achievements, particularly the 2016 CAF Champions League triumph. Ted Dumitru remains a key historical figure, while later coaches have continued the club’s push for excellence.
Sundowns’ future will be judged by the same high standard: winning the Betway Premiership, challenging in cup competitions and competing strongly in Africa.
Sources
KickOff (2020) Pitso Mosimane: The most decorated coach in PSL trophy history. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).kickoff
Soccer Laduma (2020) Records of the 12 Downs coaches before Pitso. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).soccerladuma.co
Tumelo Moila Blog (2020) Pitso Mosimane: A tactician with a Midas touch. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).tumelomoilablog.wordpress
Wikipedia (n.d.) Pitso Mosimane. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).wikipedia
Boomplay (2026) Top five PSL coaches with the most league titles. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).
