Mamelodi Sundowns and Durban City hit by key absences for MTN8 quarter-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns and Durban City will both be without important players when the MTN8 quarter-finals begin this weekend, with Brayan Leon suspended for Sundowns and Kyle Jurgens unavailable for Durban City.

The competition opens on Saturday when Orlando Pirates face Cape Town City at Orlando Amstel Arena. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.

Sundowns then host Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium later in the day, with the match due to start at 18:00.

Sundowns’ preparations have been disrupted by the suspension of Leon, who will miss the quarter-final after collecting four yellow cards during the previous season. The absence of the Colombian striker is a significant setback for the Betway Premiership side given the impact he made during his first campaign in South Africa.

Leon joined Sundowns in May and quickly established himself as a key member of the squad. He finished his debut season with 15 goals and two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

His record made him one of the standout performers in the campaign, and Sundowns will now have to face Polokwane City without the forward who played such a prominent role in their attack.

Durban City will also be missing a midfielder who made a strong impression last season. Jurgens impressed while on loan at the club and subsequently secured a permanent move after playing an important part in their successful campaign.

The midfielder’s absence means Durban City will not have one of the players who contributed significantly to their progress last season when they begin their MTN8 campaign.

The quarter-final programme starts with Orlando Pirates against Cape Town City at 15:00 on Saturday before Sundowns meet Polokwane City three hours later. Both Sundowns and Durban City will therefore enter the knockout competition facing selection concerns involving players who were influential for their respective teams last season.

The MTN8 fixtures form part of the early-season schedule in the Betway Premiership football calendar, with the opening quarter-final taking place at Orlando Amstel Arena and the second at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Leon’s suspension follows his four yellow cards from last season, while Jurgens’ absence leaves Durban City without a midfielder who moved permanently to the club after his loan spell. Their unavailability will be among the key talking points as the MTN8 quarter-finals get under way.