Mamelodi Sundowns target league summit against Golden Arrows

Mamelodi Sundowns can move to the top of the Betway Premiership when they face Golden Arrows on Sunday, just two weeks after the clubs’ dramatic MTN8 semi-final meetings.

The sides will meet for the third time in a short period at King Zwelithini Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane says his team must produce its best performance if it is to claim the three points needed to overtake Orlando Pirates.

The fixture follows a tense two-legged cup tie in which Sundowns progressed on the away-goals rule after the aggregate score finished 3-3. Golden Arrows won the opening leg 1-0, but Sundowns overturned the deficit with a 3-2 victory in the second match.

That result has added an edge to the rivalry, particularly after confusion surrounding the away-goals rule during the semi-final. Ndamane expects Golden Arrows to approach Sunday’s league encounter with a strong desire to respond.

“I don’t think it will be an easy game. This will be the third match we’ve played against them in a short space of time,” Ndamane said. “They will come with a winning mentality. We just need to focus on our game and secure the three points.”

Golden Arrows’ Nhlanhla Zwane, pictured during the second leg of the 2026 MTN8 semi-final, will again look to cause problems for Sundowns’ players as the teams renew their contest.

The Durban-based side has already shown it can trouble Sundowns in attack, scoring three goals across the two recent cup matches. That threat has made Ndamane cautious, despite Sundowns being regarded as having one of the most expensive defensive units in the league.

“We expect them to take the game to us. They are playing at home, so we need to contain them and secure the win,” Ndamane explained.

Sundowns go into the match second in the Betway Premiership with 13 points. They are level with reigning champions and current leaders Orlando Pirates, but Pirates occupy first place because of their superior goal difference.

A victory would therefore take Sundowns above Pirates, provided they can improve their position on goal difference. Ndamane says the immediate priority is to win, although Sundowns also recognise the importance of scoring freely.

“The most important thing is to get three points and score as many goals as possible to top the log. Our focus is on the win,” Ndamane said. “Ultimately, securing the three points is the priority.”

Golden Arrows will be seeking a different outcome after Sundowns eliminated them from the MTN8, while Sundowns will attempt to turn their recent cup advantage into another important league result.