Sundowns begin Betway Premiership title bid at Mbombela Stadium

Mamelodi Sundowns have started their Betway Premiership campaign at Mbombela Stadium, the venue where their title hopes were ended by TS Galaxy on the final day of the 2025/26 season.

The champions are facing TS Galaxy in one of four league fixtures being played on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30. Sundowns were also in action against Polokwane City on Saturday night, when they won the MTN8 match.

Brayan Leon, who was suspended for that MTN8 victory, returned to the Sundowns squad and immediately made an impact. The forward converted a penalty in the sixth minute after a clumsy challenge by Zindoga, giving Sundowns a 1-0 lead against TS Galaxy.

At the same time, Polokwane City moved ahead of Stellenbosch FC in the other early match. New signing Philander scored in the 16th minute to put Polokwane 1-0 up, marking his first goal for the club.

The remaining fixtures are Chippa United against Richards Bay and Marumo Gallants against Kruger United.

Chippa United named Nwabali, Jones, Mobara, Majadibodu, Madingwane, Figuareido, Seabi, Mosele, Matrose, Tshabalala and Mlotshwa in their starting XI. Richards Bay selected Otieno, Sikhakhane, Makhalala, Shezi, Mcineka, Tuli, Gumede, Mthembu, Xulu, Khumalo and Barns.

Kruger United’s line-up consisted of Dandijou, Mohamme, Mngonyama, Mukumela, Fakude, Seedat, Nel, Tavengwa, Mahlangu, Mphothe and Thwala. Marumo Gallants’ starting XI was still to be confirmed.

Polokwane City’s team was also listed as still to be confirmed, while Stellenbosch began with Stephens, Nkwali, Taunyana, Vena, Lebitso, Mashego, Mthethwa, Butsaka, Matlou, Titus and Kwayiba.

Grobler chasing PSL scoring landmark

Stellenbosch striker Bradley Grobler could make his debut for the club against Polokwane City.

The experienced forward has scored 129 goals in the PSL and is six goals behind the competition’s all-time leading scorer, Peter Shalulile.

Tuesday’s complete schedule is:

– 19:30 Chippa United v Richards Bay – 19:30 Marumo Gallants v Kruger United – 19:30 Polokwane City v Stellenbosch FC – 19:30 TS Galaxy v Mamelodi Sundowns

Sundowns’ return to Mbombela Stadium carries particular significance after their final match of the 2025/26 campaign there ended in defeat by TS Galaxy, a result that dashed their title hopes.

Updates from all the Betway Premiership action will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.