Mamelodi Sundowns name starting XI for Siwelele clash as title race intensifies

Mamelodi Sundowns will aim to strengthen their position at the top of the Betway Premiership when they host Siwelele FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The African champions moved to the summit on Sunday after edging Golden Arrows 2-1. That result put Masandawana three points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates, while Sundowns remain unbeaten in the league this season.

Their only defeat since the end of the previous campaign came in their final match of last season, when they lost to TS Galaxy. They now face a Siwelele side still searching for its first victory of the new campaign.

Siwelele’s difficult start became more turbulent on Sunday, when a defeat by Kaizer Chiefs extended their winless run and was followed by the departure of coach Lehlohonolo Seema.

Godfrey Mosoetsa has been placed in interim charge and faces an immediate challenge to revive a team that has taken just two points from its opening five matches. Siwelele have lost three and drawn two of those games.

Their last victory came at home towards the end of last season, while the club have managed only one point from their past three fixtures.

The corresponding meeting last season produced an extraordinary 11-goal contest. Mamelodi Sundowns eventually won 7-4, with Brayan Leon scoring a hat-trick for the Brazilians. Ghampani Lungu, who has since joined Orlando Pirates, also scored three times for Siwelele.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30.

Confirmed line-ups

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Ndamane, Khoza Mdunyelwa, Modiba, Mokoena, Mkhulise, Letlhaku, Van Wyk, Mailula, Leon.

Substitutes: Goss, Mvala, Morena, Basadien, Allende, Zwane, Ndlovu, Matthews, Rayners.

Siwelele FC: Mthombeni, Mfolozi, Sesane, Ndebele, Baliti, Kobedi, Mokhuoane, Rasebotja, Saile, Pule, Mokhachane.

Substitutes: Xulu, Benjamin, Ngcobo, N’Guessan, Mazibuko, Issah, Potsane, Letshedi, Jeza.