Mamelodi Sundowns are facing a tricky transfer window, with no signings announced yet ahead of their scheduled return next week.
Sundowns had an extended off-season break following their participation at the FIFA Club World Cup, with the Brazilians only returning on 21 July.
The new campaign is set to get underway at the beginning of August with the MTN8 fixtures, with the Betway Premiership to follow a week later.
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The reality of the fixtures, with Sundowns scheduled against Richards Bay on 3 August, means that the Brazilians will have just under two weeks of pre-season.
Even though the Tshwane giants have up until 22 September to make signings, the shortened pre-season could affect any incoming of new players, as there will be virtually no time to integrate them into the group. Professional clubs usually prefer six weeks of pre-season.
Masandawana head coach Miguel Cardoso has previously revealed that he prefers a small squad, hence a number of players such as Thembinkosi Lorch, Rushine De Reuck and Lebohang Maboe were sent out on loan in the January transfer window, just a month after the Portuguese coach took over.
Ahead of the 2025/26 term, Sundowns could rely on experience and players returning from loan such as Lorch and De Reuck, to navigate the campaign at least until January, in what will be a very compressed season, with the Africa Cup of Nations break expected between December and January.
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However, Masandawana supporters, like former midfielder Brent Carelse, are still anticipating excitement over new arrivals.
"Obviously, they are maybe still checking and things like that, but it's always nice to see new players coming in. We'll have to wait and see," Carelse added.
