There’s a quiet departure happening at Chloorkop—and while it may not involve a player or a coach in the spotlight, it’s someone who has helped lay the foundation for Mamelodi Sundowns’ recent dominance.
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After four transformative years, one of the club’s most respected football minds has confirmed his exit.
Duane Baker, who served as a data analysis scout for the Brazilians, took to his official LinkedIn page to officially announce his departure. His role wasn’t one that fans saw on matchdays, but his fingerprints were on every trophy Sundowns lifted during his time there.
“After four incredible years with Mamelodi Sundowns, the time has come for me to say goodbye,” Baker wrote. “It's not easy to step away from a place that has given me so much—not just in football, but in life.”
From scouting in dusty township corners to contributing in elite first-team analyst meetings, he worked across all levels of the club, from youth setups to the senior squad, often behind the scenes helping to build a competitive edge few could match.
“I’ve been lucky enough to wear many hats (some of them yellow and bucket-shaped). I’ve learned from some of the best minds in the game and been trusted to play a part in shaping the next generation of champions.”
Baker’s contribution wasn’t limited to identifying talent. He played a pivotal role in match preparation, player development, and helping translate raw data into tactical advantages. And during his spell, the club’s trophy cabinet filled up quickly:
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4x DStv Premiership titles
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1x MTN8 triumph
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1x Nedbank Cup win
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1x CAF Women’s Champions League crown
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