“What Happened After the Glory? Tracking the Careers of Sundowns’ 2016 Champions League Stars Nine Years On”

In 2016, Mamelodi Sundowns etched their name into African football history by winning the CAF Champions League, completing one of the most memorable campaigns in South African football.

Under the leadership of coach Pitso Mosimane, the Brazilians defied the odds, navigating a complex tournament that saw them go from being eliminated in the early rounds to reinstatement due to a disqualified opponent, eventually culminating in a convincing win over Egyptian giants Zamalek in the final.

It was a triumph built on discipline, flair, and tactical intelligence, and it remains one of the proudest moments in the club’s illustrious history.

Nearly a decade later, fans still remember the class of 2016 with pride and nostalgia, but many wonder—where are they now?

Starting with coach Pitso Mosimane, the mastermind behind Sundowns’ continental success, his career has continued on an upward trajectory.

After leaving Sundowns in 2020, Mosimane took charge of Al Ahly in Egypt, where he won back-to-back CAF Champions League titles, enhancing his reputation as one of Africa’s greatest-ever coaches.

He has since embarked on new challenges, most recently coaching in Saudi Arabia and exploring various international opportunities, while still being mentioned as a potential candidate for top national team jobs across the continent.

One of the key figures in the 2016 squad was goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

The Ugandan shot-stopper was instrumental in Sundowns’ run to the title, producing heroic saves and commanding his area with confidence and experience.

Onyango remains with the club and continues to be an influential figure, even though he has transitioned more into a mentorship role in recent seasons.

Though age has reduced his playing time, his legacy at the club is secure, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in African football history.

Captain Hlompho Kekana was the heartbeat of that legendary side.

A tireless midfielder with an eye for the spectacular, Kekana lifted the trophy with pride in 2016 and went on to enjoy several more successful seasons with the Brazilians.

He eventually retired from professional football in 2022 and has since been active in punditry and youth development.

His leadership qualities and commitment to the sport have made him a respected figure beyond the pitch, and many believe he could pursue a role in football administration or coaching in the near future.

In defense, the likes of Thabo Nthethe and Wayne Arendse provided stability and composure.

Both players have since retired, but their contributions in 2016 are fondly remembered.

Nthethe, known for his aerial prowess and calmness under pressure, has stayed connected to the game through grassroots initiatives, while Arendse has kept a lower profile but occasionally surfaces in discussions around former player mentorship programs.

Tebogo Langerman, another vital cog in the Sundowns machine, played a key role at left-back during the Champions League campaign.

Known for his energy and overlapping runs, Langerman remained with the club for several years after the 2016 success before eventually moving to Moroka Swallows.

He announced his retirement from professional football in 2023 and has expressed interest in pursuing coaching badges, aiming to contribute to the development of young defenders in South Africa.

Midfield maestro Tiyani Mabunda, a fan favorite for his work rate and enthusiasm, also played an important role in the team’s midfield balance.

Mabunda retired from professional football in 2022 and has transitioned into media, where he often appears as a football analyst.

His deep understanding of the game and charismatic presence have made him a natural in front of the camera, and he continues to inspire fans with his insights and reflections on the modern game.

In attack, the trio of Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly, and Leonardo Castro were the spark that lit up the tournament.

Khama Billiat was arguably the standout performer, dazzling defenders with his pace and creativity.

After his successful stint with Sundowns, Billiat moved to Kaizer Chiefs, where his time has been mixed, plagued by injuries and inconsistency.

As of the latest reports, he is a free agent, with speculation linking him to a potential move abroad or even a return to Zimbabwe.

Keagan Dolly, whose technical ability and vision were key in unlocking defenses, moved to France after the 2016 triumph, signing with Montpellier.

He spent several seasons in Ligue 1 before returning to South Africa to join Kaizer Chiefs.

Dolly has shown glimpses of his former brilliance but has also faced injury setbacks.

His leadership and experience remain valuable assets as he now serves as a senior figure within the Chiefs’ setup.

Leonardo Castro, the Colombian striker, was an unexpected hero during the Champions League campaign.

His strength, movement, and finishing were vital to Sundowns’ attacking success.

After leaving the club, he also joined Kaizer Chiefs before moving back to Colombia, where he has continued playing at a professional level, albeit outside the international spotlight.

Other notable squad members include Anthony Laffor, the Liberian winger who contributed valuable goals during the campaign.

Laffor has since retired and is currently involved in youth football development.

Themba Zwane, one of the few players from the 2016 squad still actively playing for Sundowns, has matured into a club legend and remains an integral part of the team.

His evolution from a promising winger to one of the PSL’s most consistent performers has been remarkable, and he continues to lead by example.

As for the club itself, Sundowns have continued to be a dominant force in South African football, regularly competing in the CAF Champions League and consistently winning domestic trophies.

The legacy of the 2016 Champions League-winning team lives on, not only in silverware but in the culture of excellence that the club has maintained.

The triumph served as a turning point, proving that South African clubs could compete with the best on the continent, and it raised the standard for what is expected of Sundowns year after year.

Looking back, the players of that historic squad have taken different paths—some into coaching, some into media, others into quiet retirement—but all share a common bond rooted in that unforgettable night in Alexandria, where they lifted Africa’s biggest club prize.

They will forever be remembered as the team that brought the continent to its feet and gave South African football one of its brightest moments.