In a groundbreaking move that further cements African football’s growing presence on the global stage, Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a documentary focused on South African football giants, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The streaming giant made the announcement following the recent World Football Summit in Rabat, Morocco, where stakeholders, clubs, investors, and football enthusiasts gathered to discuss the future of the sport across the continent.
Titled simply “Mamelodi Sundowns: Rise of the Brazilians”, the documentary is set to premiere globally on April 25th, and promises to shine a spotlight on one of Africa’s most successful and ambitious football clubs. For fans of the game—whether in Pretoria, Paris, or São Paulo—this is more than just a sports documentary. It’s a story of legacy, vision, and African excellence.
The Mamelodi Sundowns are not just a football club; they’re a symbol of consistency, resilience, and innovation in African football. Founded in the early 1970s and based in Pretoria, the club has grown into a continental powerhouse, with a record number of Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles, a CAF Champions League victory in 2016, and a philosophy centered around beautiful, attacking football—earning them the nickname “The Brazilians”.
Despite their decorated history and immense fanbase, the Sundowns have often flown under the radar internationally. This Netflix project aims to change that. The documentary provides a deep dive into the club’s rich past, their present dominance, and bold plans for the future. It’s a story long overdue for global recognition.
The announcement came at a perfect moment—during the World Football Summit (WFS) Africa, held in Rabat earlier this month. The summit attracted attention from football federations, elite clubs, broadcasters, and investors from around the world, all focused on how to further elevate African football.
At the summit, Mamelodi Sundowns were lauded for their professional management, investment in youth development, and commitment to women’s football. Club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe took the stage during a panel on football innovation in Africa, and it was there that he, alongside Netflix representatives, revealed the upcoming documentary.
“We are proud to share our story with the world,” said Motsepe. “This project reflects not just who we are as a club, but also what African football is capable of achieving when given the right platform.”
What to Expect in the Documentary
Mamelodi Sundowns: Rise of the Brazilians is not your typical sports documentary. It combines cinematic visuals with raw, behind-the-scenes access to the club, capturing the essence of life at one of Africa’s elite football institutions.
The documentary follows the team over the course of the past two seasons, offering insights into:
- The club’s intense training sessions and tactical planning
- Candid locker room moments and team talks
- Exclusive interviews with players, including stars like Themba Zwane, Ronwen Williams, and Peter Shalulile
- Appearances by club legends and commentary from South African football experts
- The club’s efforts in developing young talent through its academy system
- Their expanding influence in women’s football, particularly the growth of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, the reigning CAF Women’s Champions League winners
The film also features never-before-seen footage from Sundowns’ CAF Champions League campaigns, domestic triumphs, and emotional community outreach programs—highlighting the club’s connection to the people of South Africa and its role as more than just a football team.
A New Era of African Football Storytelling
For Netflix, this is part of a broader initiative to expand its catalog of African sports stories. In recent years, the platform has seen success with documentaries like “Senzo: Murder of a Soccer Star” and “African Dreams”, and “Mamelodi Sundowns: Rise of the Brazilians” marks a significant step forward in showcasing the positive, uplifting side of African football.
Speaking to press at the WFS, Netflix’s Director of International Sports Content, Helena Martins, said:
“This isn’t just a football documentary. It’s about community, identity, and pride. The Sundowns represent the heart of African excellence. We are honored to tell their story on a global stage.”
Reaction from Fans and Football Circles
The response to the announcement has been electric. Sundowns fans across South Africa and the African continent took to social media to express their excitement. Hashtags like #SundownsOnNetflix and #RiseOfTheBrazilians began trending shortly after the official trailer dropped online.
Players from rival clubs have also expressed admiration for the move, recognizing the importance of elevating African football stories to international platforms.
Renowned South African sports journalist, Carol Tshabalala, who also appears in the documentary, shared her thoughts:
“For years, African football has needed proper documentation—not just of its struggles but of its triumphs. The Sundowns story is one of vision, leadership, and relentless ambition. This documentary will open many eyes.”
The timing of the release is significant. As the African football landscape undergoes transformation—with rising investment, growing youth talent, and increased interest from global media—“Mamelodi Sundowns: Rise of the Brazilians” arrives at a pivotal moment.
It is more than entertainment; it is a statement. African clubs have stories that deserve to be heard, heroes who deserve to be seen, and legacies that deserve to be celebrated.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, this documentary will likely be a defining chapter in their journey—and for African football, it might just be the beginning of a new era in global storytelling.
Be sure to tune in when “Mamelodi Sundowns: Rise of the Brazilians” premieres on Netflix, April 25th.
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