Mamelodi Sundowns name starting XI for MTN8 clash with Polokwane City

Mamelodi Sundowns begin their domestic campaign against Polokwane City in the first round of the MTN8 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

The Brazilians’ league season was delayed following the untimely passing of Jayden Adams, meaning they were unable to begin their campaign alongside the rest of the teams last weekend.

Instead, Mamelodi Sundowns completed a postponed pre-season training camp in Austria as they prepared for another demanding campaign.

The African champions ended that camp in emphatic fashion, beating Qatari-based side Al Sailiyal 7-0 last Saturday. They now turn their attention to competitive domestic football and a meeting with Polokwane City, who have already played a match this season.

Polokwane City, known as Rise and Shine, began their campaign with an away victory against Richards Bay FC last Sunday. Unlike their opponents, they have not had to manage the disruption of a delayed start.

Saturday’s match will be Polokwane City’s third consecutive appearance in the MTN8. They have not progressed beyond the opening stage of the competition during their previous two campaigns.

Willy Moloto is now in charge of the Limpopo-based club following the departure of Phuti Mohafe.

The two sides also met at this stage of the tournament in 2024, when Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory after extra time.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ confirmed starting line-up is: Williams, Mudau, Johannes, Kekana, Basadien, Mokoena, Allende, Matthews, Van Wyk and B. Mokoena.

Their substitutes are Goss, Khoza, Modiba, Mdunyelwa, Mkhulise, Zwane, Letlhaku and Mothiba.

Polokwane City will start with Mathebula, Manthosi, Nkwe, Nkaki, Ramaja, Kambala, Maphangule, Bathlabane, Dlamini, Philander and Molokwane.

Their substitutes are Ngwenya, Mashele, Modise, Nikani, Kelepu, Daniels, Mnguni, Matube and Khosa.

The match at Lucas Moripe Stadium begins at 18:00 on Saturday evening, with Mamelodi Sundowns looking to make a winning return to domestic competition and Polokwane City aiming to build on their positive opening result.