Mamelodi Sundowns face fitness race ahead of MTN8 final

Mamelodi Sundowns could be without three key players for the MTN8 final after injuries suffered by the Bafana Bafana squad during international duty.

Coach Miguel Cardoso is waiting for further updates after South Africa’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea proved costly, with Sundowns preparing to face Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in just over a week.

The injuries add to an already difficult period for the 15-time Premier Soccer League champions, who have been among the clubs most affected by fitness problems despite making significant changes during the domestic transfer window.

Defender Khuliso Mudau ruptured his Achilles tendon during Sundowns’ victory over Marumo Gallants in August and is not expected to return until February next year.

Keanu Cupido is recovering from shoulder surgery and is expected back in November, while Grant Kekana is continuing his rehabilitation from a quadriceps strain.

International injuries add to defensive concerns

Sundowns’ situation worsened during the current AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, with three players picking up injuries while with the national team.

Aubrey Modiba experienced a tight hamstring after South Africa’s win over Guinea in September. Teboho Mokoena then missed the match against Eritrea because of an unspecified injury.

Bathusi Aubaas replaced Mokoena in the squad for the game in Cairo but was forced to leave the field early. Initial reports indicate that he is unlikely to recover in time for the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.

There have also been reports that Mokoena’s injury is less serious than first feared. However, the midfielder is facing a race against time to be fit for the match in Durban.

Modiba’s recovery timeline remains less clear, with some reports suggesting the left-back could also miss the final.

Both Mokoena and Modiba are regular starters for Sundowns, leaving Cardoso with decisions to make as he considers how best to organise his defence against Orlando Pirates.

Aubaas has recently been used as a substitute, but the early indications are that he will not be cleared to play in the match involving the Buccaneers.

None of the three Sundowns players is currently expected to take part in the friendly against Egypt in Cairo on 4 October. Their absence from that fixture will give them time to concentrate on their recoveries, although the countdown to the MTN8 final is continuing.

Cardoso now faces a major test in Durban, with Sundowns’ preparation and squad depth set to be examined as they attempt to cope with a growing list of injuries while competing for a major trophy.