Sundowns name starting XI for AmaZulu clash as MTN8 final looms

Mamelodi Sundowns return to Betway Premiership action against AmaZulu FC on Wednesday, with manager Miguel Cardoso balancing the need for league points with Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final second leg against Golden Arrows.

The match will be played at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 26 August 2026, with Sundowns looking to respond after suffering a surprise 1-0 defeat by Golden Arrows in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final.

Cardoso has made his starting XI for the league fixture, although the line-up may also reflect the importance of Saturday’s return match. Sundowns must overturn the first-leg deficit against Arrows if they are to keep their MTN8 hopes alive.

In the league, Sundowns recorded a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants seven days ago. That result moved them level on points with second-placed Kaizer Chiefs and maintained their strong start to the Betway Premiership campaign.

AmaZulu arrive in Pretoria with an identical league record to Sundowns. Arthur Zwane’s side have also collected two wins and a draw, leaving them level on points with the Brazilians before Wednesday evening’s encounter.

The fixture therefore brings together two teams with matching records, although Sundowns’ involvement in the MTN8 means Cardoso has additional selection considerations before naming his side.

Sundowns will begin with Williams in goal, while Morena, Khoza, Kekana and Basadien make up the defensive line.

Mokoena and Mkhulise are selected in midfield, with Ndlovu, Matthews, Mailula and Leon completing the starting XI.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ substitutes are Goss, Ndamane, Modiba, B. Mokoena, Rayners, Allende, Zwane, Mdunyelwa and Lethlaku.

AmaZulu’s starting XI had not been confirmed at the time of publication.

The match is part of the Betway Premiership programme and takes place four days before Sundowns face Golden Arrows in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final. Cardoso will therefore be required to manage his squad carefully while attempting to keep Sundowns close to the top of the league standings.

Sundowns’ confirmed team is:

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Morena, Khoza, Kekana, Basadien, Mokoena, Mkhulise, Ndlovu, Matthews, Mailula, Leon.

Substitutes: Goss, Ndamane, Modiba, B. Mokoena, Rayners, Allende, Zwane, Mdunyelwa, Lethlaku.

AmaZulu: To be confirmed.