Modiba backs Van Wyk to give Premiership defenders sleepless nights

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Aubrey Modiba believes new signing Antonio Van Wyk has the attacking ability to make Betway Premiership defenders “sleepless nights” this season.

Modiba was speaking at the 2026 MTN8 launch in Johannesburg, where he discussed the impact Van Wyk could have after joining Sundowns and praised the club’s young players for showing they are ready to contribute to the first team.

The experienced left-back said several members of Sundowns’ emerging group had impressed during pre-season and appeared hungry to take their opportunities.

“Yeah, I like it. You mention the youngsters in the team. But not only those two, there’s Thato Sibiya, there’s Kutlwano (Lethlaku), there’s Akha (Akhanyile Norawana),” Modiba said.

“ These boys, you can see they’re very hungry. They know what to expect. I think this season they’re going to play a big role helping us achieve what we want to achieve.”

Modiba also identified Van Wyk as a player capable of causing problems for opposition full-backs. The defender said he would encourage the new arrival to use his attacking qualities to unsettle opponents and contribute goals.

“And, yeah, Van Wyk, I hope he gives them sleepless nights because they also give us sleepless nights as full-backs,” he added with a smile.

“So, yeah, I’m going to encourage him to do that and hopefully he can help us and score more goals because he’s an attacking player.

“So, yeah, the youngsters from the DDC, I think they’re going to help us a lot,” he said.

Van Wyk’s arrival has added another attacking option to a Sundowns squad preparing to begin its competitive campaign. The club’s first match of the season will be against Polokwane City in the MTN8 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Miguel Cardoso’s side are defending their MTN8 title and will play their opening competitive fixture after returning from a pre-season tour of Austria.

Their Betway Premiership opener was postponed following a bereavement at the club.

Modiba’s comments came as Sundowns prepare to launch their title defence, with the club also looking to draw on the young players who have progressed through the DDC. He said the group’s hunger and understanding of what will be required could help the team pursue its targets during the season.

The focus now turns to Lucas Moripe Stadium, where Sundowns will face Polokwane City in their first competitive test since pre-season. For Van Wyk, the match will offer an early opportunity to demonstrate the qualities Modiba believes can trouble defenders across the Betway Premiership.