Mamelodi Sundowns face selection dilemma ahead of Nedbank Cup clash

Mamelodi Sundowns are grappling with a major selection crisis ahead of their Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Sekhukhune United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday.

The Tshwane giants are set to be without several key players due to international commitments, presenting a significant challenge for head coach Miguel Cardoso.

A host of Sundowns’ first-team regulars, including captain Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Jayden Adams, Iqraam Rayners, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Grant Kekana, have been called up for South Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

Their involvement in the national team setup leaves Sundowns with a depleted squad just days before their crucial domestic fixture.

Fixture Congestion and Rest Concerns

The scheduling dilemma has left little room for recovery for the affected players. Even with the South African Football Association (SAFA) arranging a charter flight to ensure their swift return, the squad members would not have the required 48-hour rest period between international duty and their club commitments.

Given the physical demands on these players, Cardoso is unlikely to risk their fitness in the upcoming cup tie.

The fixture congestion stems from the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) late confirmation of the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals. Originally planned for March, the matches were postponed due to a scheduling conflict with a women’s Under-17 World Cup qualifier.

The overlap raised commercial concerns for the PSL, leading to the rescheduling of domestic cup fixtures.

PSL-Safa Scheduling Tensions

SAFA, however, maintains that its World Cup qualifying matches had been scheduled well in advance, and the PSL only became aware of the clash through social media.

Despite an internal investigation into the matter, no official findings have been released regarding the scheduling conflict.

With Sundowns forced to field a weakened squad, the match against Sekhukhune United could prove to be a stern test for the reigning league champions. The winner of this quarter-final tie will go on to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.

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The postponed #NedbankCup fixture between @Masandawana and @SekhukhuneFc will be played on Friday 28 March at 19:00 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Tickets are available at Ticketpro Outlets for R60 each.

If you have a valid match ticket… pic.twitter.com/zuIJxw0sGL

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) March 20, 2025