Mamelodi Sundowns frustrated by Siwelele in Betway Premiership

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Siwelele FC at half-time in their Betway Premiership meeting at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.

The Brazilians controlled the opening period and created the clearer chances, but Siwelele’s defence stood firm to keep Sundowns from taking the lead.

Siwelele goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni made his debut for the club and immediately demonstrated his composure inside the penalty area. His most important intervention came when he denied Mamelodi Sundowns forward Brayan Leon in a one-on-one situation.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to the side that defeated Golden Arrows at the weekend. Kutlwano Letlhaku was handed his first start of the season, while Sphelele Mkhulise, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Malibongwe Khoza and Aubrey Modiba were recalled.

Caretaker coach Godfrey Mosoetsa also altered his Siwelele team after taking charge from Lehlohonolo Seema. Alongside Mthombeni’s debut, Neo Mokhachane and Selaelo Rasebotja were named in the starting XI for their first starts of the campaign.

Despite Sundowns’ dominance, Siwelele were content to defend deep and absorb the pressure. Their backline, led by Thabiso Sesane, dealt effectively with the deliveries into the penalty area and ensured the visitors reached the interval level.

Sundowns repeatedly looked to apply pressure in the final third, but Siwelele’s defensive organisation prevented them from turning possession into a breakthrough. Mthombeni’s early save provided further encouragement to the side as they resisted the home team’s sustained attacking threat.

Mamelodi Sundowns started with Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau? Wait source says Ndamane, must not change. Need use exact list. We must not make factual correction. Use lineup heading and names exactly. “30. Williams” no first name source. Keep exactly perhaps formatting.

Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 3. Ndamane, 42. Khoza, 28. Mdunyelwa, 6. Modiba, 4. Mokoena, 21. Mkhulise, 43. Letlhaku, 29. Van Wyk, 33. Mailula, 12. Leon.

Substitutes: 31. Goss, 40. Mvala, 27. Morena, 23. Basadien, 11. Allende, 18. Zwane, 38. Ndlovu, 17. Matthews, 13. Rayners.

Siwelele FC: 50. Mthombeni, 2. Mfolozi, 4. Sesane, 33. Ndebele, 29. Baliti, 26. Kobedi, 8. Mokhuoane, 6. Rasebotja, 11. Saile, 10. Pule, 7. Mokhachane.

Substitutes: 30. Xulu, 21. Benjamin, 80. Ngcobo, 28. N’Guessan, 12. Mazibuko, 19. Issah, 15. Potsane, 36. Letshedi, 17. Jeza.

The match is being played on 9 September 2026 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with the two sides still level at the break.