Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Johannes “Bricks” Mudau has raised concerns about the club’s growing dominance in the transfer market, arguing that its financial strength has made it increasingly difficult for rival Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams to compete for the country’s best footballing talent.

Sundowns have established themselves as one of South Africa’s most successful football clubs, combining consistent performances on the pitch with substantial financial resources and an ambitious recruitment strategy. Their ability to attract established players and promising talents has strengthened their squad while putting pressure on other clubs attempting to build competitive teams.

Speaking to KickOff, Mudau suggested that Sundowns’ financial muscle has significantly influenced the transfer market, allowing the club to pursue players who might otherwise have joined rival teams.

“I think Sundowns they’ve set a trend where they get anyone they want, at any price, and it becomes difficult for the other teams because they don’t have bigger pockets like Sundowns,” Mudau said.

His comments highlight the financial challenges facing traditional South African football heavyweights, including Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, as they attempt to close the gap on the Tshwane-based club.

The issue of transfer fees recently attracted attention following revelations by TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi concerning Kaizer Chiefs’ reported offer for midfielder Seluleko Mahlambi. According to the report, Chiefs offered R4 million for the player, but Sukazi indicated that the amount was insufficient, with Galaxy demanding R10 million.

Although the negotiations involve individual circumstances, the situation illustrates the difficulties clubs can encounter when trying to secure players they consider valuable assets.

Mudau believes Sundowns’ influence has contributed to an environment in which smaller budgets can make negotiations particularly challenging for competing clubs.

“This makes things not easy for the boys to get a chance to leave their current clubs and go play somewhere bigger. Sundowns has raised the bar pertaining the movement of players,” he added.

Beyond transfer fees, Mudau also raised concerns about the impact of Sundowns’ extensive recruitment strategy on players’ opportunities for regular football.

The club’s ability to assemble a squad filled with quality players creates intense competition for starting positions. While this depth helps Sundowns compete across domestic competitions and continental tournaments, some players may struggle to secure consistent playing time.

For footballers seeking regular minutes to develop their careers, joining a club with fewer established stars could offer a clearer path into the starting eleven.

Nevertheless, Sundowns’ recruitment policy reflects their ambition to maintain their position among Africa’s leading clubs. Their rivals must therefore find ways to strengthen their squads without placing their long-term financial stability at risk.

Mudau’s remarks have renewed the debate about financial inequality, transfer fees and competitive balance in South African football. Whether other PSL clubs can develop effective recruitment strategies to challenge Sundowns remains an important question for the future of the domestic game.

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