Mamelodi Sundowns name starting line-up for MTN8 opener against Polokwane City

Mamelodi Sundowns begin their 2026-27 campaign against Polokwane City in the MTN8 at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on 8 August 2026.

The Brazilians had been due to open their Betway Premiership season against Marumo Gallants, but that fixture was postponed, meaning this evening’s cup tie will be their first competitive match of the campaign.

Miguel Cardoso’s side are aiming to make a winning start to their pursuit of the MTN8, a competition they last won in 2021.

Sundowns reached the semi-finals last season, only to be beaten by Orlando Pirates, who went on to lift the trophy. They will now look to go further this time as they begin their campaign against a Polokwane City side that already have a victory under their belt.

Polokwane City opened their Betway Premiership season with a 2-1 win over Richards Bay FC last weekend. The club, known as Rise and Shine, are hoping to improve on last season’s MTN8 campaign, when they were knocked out by Orlando Pirates in the opening round.

Sundowns’ starting line-up includes goalkeeper Williams, with Mudau, Johannes, Kekana and Basadien named in defence. Mokoena, Allende and Matthews are also selected, while Van Wyk and B. Mokoena are included among the attacking options listed.

Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 37. Johannes, 20. Kekana, 23. Basadien, 4. Mokoena, 11. Allende, 17. Matthews, 29. Van Wyk, 46. B. Mokoena.

Substitutes: 31. Goss, 42. Khoza, 6. Modiba, 28. Mdunyelwa, 21. Mkhulise, 18. Zwane, 42. Letlhaku, 35. Mothiba.

Polokwane City also name Mathebula in goal, with Manthosi, Nkwe, Nkaki and Ramaja listed in defence. Kambala, Maphangule and Bathlabane feature in midfield, while Dlamini, Philander and Molokwane complete the selected line-up.

Polokwane City: 40. Mathebula, 42. Manthosi, 3. Nkwe, 34. Nkaki, 22. Ramaja, 21. Kambala, 14. Maphangule, 47. Bathlabane, 17. Dlamini, 18. Philander, 44. Molokwane.

Substitutes: 60. Ngwenya, 48. Mashele, 27. Modise, 4. Nikani, 6. Kelepu, 20. Daniels, 35. Mnguni, 46. Matube, 29. Khosa.

The match gives Sundowns an immediate opportunity to recover the MTN8 after last season’s semi-final disappointment, while Polokwane City will try to build on their positive league start and reach the later stages of the competition.