Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City name starting XIs for MTN8 quarter-final

Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City have announced their starting line-ups for tonight’s MTN8 quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with Sundowns beginning their 2026/27 campaign after postponing their opening Betway Premiership fixture against Marumo Gallants.

The match marks the start of the new season for Sundowns, who requested a rearrangement of their league opener to prepare for their MTN8 campaign. They will be aiming to return to the final stages of a competition they last won in 2021.

Masandawana beat Cape Town City 3-2 on penalties in that final, but Orlando Pirates have since established themselves as the dominant side in the tournament.

Sundowns have reached the semi-finals in each of the past four seasons. However, they have only progressed to the final once during that period, losing to Orlando Pirates on penalties in 2023.

Polokwane City are appearing in the MTN8 for the third season in succession, although they are still waiting to reach the semi-finals. They were beaten 2-0 by Orlando Pirates in last season’s competition after losing 1-0 to Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium the previous year.

The visitors will arrive with confidence after making a winning start to their Betway Premiership campaign last week. Polokwane City defeated Richards Bay 2-1 away from home and will hope that result provides momentum for their cup challenge.

Sundowns won both meetings between the teams last season. They recorded a 1-0 victory in one encounter before completing a 3-0 win in the other.

Sundowns’ starting XI includes Williams, Mudau, Johannes, Kekana and Basadien in defence, with Mokoena, Allende and Matthews selected in midfield. Van Wyk and Rayners are also named in the attack, alongside Mokoena.

Their substitutes are Goss, Khoza, Modiba, Mdunyelwa, Mkhulise, Zwane, Mailula, Letlhaku and Mothiba.

Polokwane City have selected Mathebula, Manthosi, Nkwe, Nkaki, Ramaja, Kambala, Maphangule Bathlabane, Dlamini, Philander and Molokwane in their starting line-up as listed for the quarter-final.

The Polokwane City substitutes are Ngwenya, Mashele, Modise, Nikon, Kelp, Daniels, Mnguni, Matube and Khoza.

The quarter-final gives both clubs an early opportunity to set the tone for the season. Sundowns are seeking to end their wait for another MTN8 title, while Polokwane City are attempting to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their third consecutive appearance.