Sundowns name strong side for Milford clash after MTN8 final triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns return to Betway Premiership action on Wednesday evening when they host newly promoted Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld, with Miguel Cardoso’s side looking to maintain their unbeaten league start.

The Brazilians arrive in confident mood after beating Golden Arrows 3-2 on Sunday to secure their place in the MTN8 final. They had also enjoyed a productive result in the league seven days earlier, scoring five times against AmaZulu.

That run has kept Sundowns among the early pace-setters, although they are three points behind defending champions Orlando Pirates. Pirates strengthened their position at the top of the table on Tuesday night with a 4-0 victory over Kruger United.

Milford have made a positive start to life in the top flight. The play-off winners are unbeaten in their past three league matches, with their most recent outing ending in a goalless draw against Polokwane City.

They currently occupy fifth place after recording two wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening four matches.

The match is scheduled to take place on 2 September 2026 at Loftus Versfeld.

Sundowns have selected Ronwen Williams in goal, with Mdunyelwa, Khoza and Kekana forming the defensive line. Modiba, B. Mokoena and Aubaas are also included, while Allende, Van Wyk, Matthews and Rayners complete the starting XI.

Mamelodi Sundowns starting XI: 30. Williams, 28. Mdunyelwa, 42. Khoza, 20. Kekana, 6. Modiba, 46. B. Mokoena, 15. Aubaas, 11. Allende, 29. Van Wyk, 17. Matthews, 13. Rayners.

Substitutes: 31. Goss, 27. Morena, 40. Mvala, 23. Basadien, 4. Mokoena, 18. Zwane, 38. Ndlovu, 33. Mailula, 12. Leon.

Milford FC’s line-up includes Hleza as goalkeeper, with Bhengu, Mthabela, Mdluli and Cele in the defensive unit. Mthethwa and Nomandela are selected in midfield, alongside Mabena and Mbunga, while Sigomoshe and Ndlabi lead the attack.

Milford FC starting XI: 32. Hleza, 23. Bhengu, 5. Mthabela, 14. Mdluli, 22. Cele, 55. Mthethwa, 38. Nomandela, 35. Mabena, 75. Mbunga, 2. Sigomoshe, 21. Ndlabi.

Substitutes: 16. Nkosi, 20. Siyaya, 18. Khwana, 11. Zikakayo, 26. Chabanhu, 6. Joyi, 17. Gxakoshe, 50. Radebe, 90. Masilela.

The fixture gives Sundowns an opportunity to close the gap on Orlando Pirates, while Milford will aim to extend their unbeaten league run and claim another result against one of the leading sides in the Betway Premiership.