Mamelodi Sundowns sweating over key duo ahead of MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns could be without Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The match in Durban is scheduled for 10 October, with kick-off at 6pm, but Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso may need to replace two regular starters after both players picked up injuries while on international duty with Bafana Bafana.

Modiba and Mokoena were involved in the 2-1 victory over Guinea in Bafana Bafana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena. Neither featured in the following match, a 5-0 win against Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday night.

The pair’s absence was not exposed in that game. Samukele Kabini deputised effectively for Modiba at left-back, while Bathusi Aubaas replaced Mokoena in midfield.

However, Aubaas was forced off with an injury early in the first half. His replacement, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, produced an impressive debut in central midfield.

Modiba, Mokoena and Aubaas will all undergo fitness tests before Bafana Bafana’s friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday. Any unfavourable results could leave them unavailable for Sundowns’ meeting with their rivals in Durban.

Should Modiba and Mokoena fail to recover in time, Cardoso is expected to consider Fawaaz Basadien at left-back and Sphelele Mkhulise in midfield. Their absence would represent a significant blow to the Brazilians, while Aubaas is not usually a first-choice player.

The potential setback comes despite Sundowns being aware of the risks involved in releasing key players during a demanding schedule. After leading the club to the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific title, Cardoso said it was important for new Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane to have his strongest squad available.

“The players will go, and when they come back we will see,” Cardoso said. “Also, the coach is starting, so we want him to have a great start. Let’s hope we can get results in the national team. We’ll support and celebrate them with the same energy as ours.”

Sundowns legend and junior teams’ coach Surprise Moriri said the team would miss the injured players, particularly with a cup final approaching.

The club have won the MTN8 only once since their rebranding in 2008, lifting the trophy in 2021. Their most recent defeat by Orlando Pirates in the competition came at the same venue in 2023.

“I wish them a speedy recovery. We also need them in the MTN8 cup final,” Moriri said on the sidelines of the Kay Motsepe National Schools Championship finals in Soshanguve this week.