Sundowns face late fitness calls on Mokoena, Modiba and Aubaas for MTN8 final

Mamelodi Sundowns will wait until the last possible moment before deciding whether Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Bathusi Aubaas can be included in the squad for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.

The three players picked up injuries while on international duty with Bafana Bafana and are being monitored by Sundowns’ medical team ahead of the showpiece at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Sundowns coach Cardoso confirmed the club would take no risks with the trio, particularly with Modiba and Aubaas having suffered muscle injuries. The final decision will depend on how the players respond to further assessments before the match.

“Yesterday we had a first evaluation of the players. The players were seen by doctors and today we will have a better opportunity to check them,” Cardoso told the media during Sundowns’ open day ahead of the final.

“I believe those cases will be until the last minute, but as you understand, we cannot risk, especially on muscle injuries like the ones Aubrey and Aubaas had. We cannot risk putting a player in if they are not ready.”

Cardoso said there had been positive signs in the players’ recovery, although he stressed that their availability could not yet be confirmed.

“I am not saying they are not because obviously there are signs that evolution was pretty good,” he added.

“They were not a major injury. Teboho is progressing, but let’s see. Those will be last-minute decisions because we have not only to think about this game, but what impact it has not only on this game.”

Mokoena and Modiba have been regular members of the Sundowns starting line-up, making their potential absence a significant concern for the Tshwane club. Mokoena’s influence has been particularly noticeable, with Sundowns’ performances often affected when he is unavailable or rested.

The club has considerable strength in its squad, but replacing the three players would still present a challenge as Sundowns prepare to face the Buccaneers in the domestic showpiece.

All three missed Bafana Bafana’s friendly international against Egypt. Mokoena and Modiba were also absent for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea, while Aubaas sustained his injury during the first half of that match.

Sundowns will now continue assessing the players before making a final decision on whether any of them can play a part in Saturday’s MTN8 final.