OPINION: Sundowns have turned the Premiership into a farmer’s league

Mamelodi Sundowns have just secured their eighth consecutive league title. That’s not just dominance, its total control. While the club deserves immense credit, it’s impossible to ignore this uncomfortable question: has the South African Premier League become a farmer’s league?

Sundowns have become like PSG

The term “farmer’s league” is often thrown around to mock competitions where one team runs away with the title season after season. It’s been used to describe the French Ligue 1, where Paris Saint-Germain  (PSG) have often strolled to victory, and the Bundesliga, where Bayern Munich have made the trophy their personal property. 

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So if we can call those leagues farmer’s leagues, why should the Betway Premiership be any different? Since Bidvest Wits lifted the title in 2017, the Brazilians have danced their way to every championship crown. Year after year, they’ve set the standard, and no one’s really come close. At this point, you’d be very brave to bet against them making it nine in a row next season.

That’s not to take anything away from what they’ve built. The winning foundation that was laid by Pitso Mosimane still underpins everything they do. They’ve maintained a clear footballing identity, invested smartly, and developed depth that most other clubs can only dream of. 

This is not luck, but long-term planning and the facts are undeniable. I don’t think we will ever see anything like this again.While we can admire Sundowns’ brilliance, we must also question the competitiveness of the league. 

Where are the challengers? Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have struggled to mount any serious title push in recent years, but it’s not just about the traditional big two stepping up, the whole league needs to improve.

Clubs must invest smarter

A strong domestic league depends on balance, unpredictability, and competition. Right now, fans can almost predict the title winner before the season even kicks off and that’s not healthy for the game. It weakens rivalries, lowers excitement, and risks disengaging supporters altogether.

The challenge now lies with the rest of the league. Clubs must invest smarter, develop better, and think bigger. The goal can’t be just finishing in the top eight. It has to be about raising the bar and challenge the juggernaut that is Sundowns.

Credit to the Tshwane giants for their relentless obsession with success, but the local game needs a stronger league. Dominance is fine, but without competition, it becomes a problem. It’s time for the chasing pack to raise their standards. 

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For me, the argument about Downs’ financial huge muscle being the only reason for their success is both lazy and boring. The conversation has to be bigger than that. If we keep moving in this direction with one club miles ahead of the pack, we may have to accept the farmer’s league tag, no matter how uncomfortable it sounds.