Sundowns name starting XI as Siwelele seek first league win

Mamelodi Sundowns have named their starting line-up for this evening’s Betway Premiership meeting with Siwelele FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, with the league leaders aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the table.

A victory would allow Sundowns to move six points clear of reigning champions Orlando Pirates, having already gone above the Buccaneers after beating Golden Arrows 2-1 in their previous match.

Miguel Cardoso’s side will also be looking to extend a club-record unbeaten home run. Sundowns have avoided defeat in their past 27 matches at home and will attempt to make it 28 against a Siwelele team still searching for its first league victory of the season.

Sundowns will start with Ronwen Williams in goal, while the defensive line features Mdunyelwa, Ndamane, Khoza and Modiba.

Mokoena and Mkhulise are included in midfield, with Letlhaku, van Wyk, Mailula and Leon completing the starting XI.

Sundowns’ starting XI: Williams, Mdunyelwa, Ndamane, Khoza, Modiba, Mokoena, Mkhulise, Letlhaku, van Wyk, Mailula, Leon.

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

Siwelele arrive in Pretoria after a narrow 3-2 defeat by Kaizer Chiefs in their last league fixture. That result was followed by the club suspending head coach Lehlohonolo Seema and assistant coach Willem Jackson.

The Bloemfontein-based side are 14th in the Betway Premiership table after collecting two draws and suffering three defeats from their opening five matches. They remain without a win this term.

Siwelele’s team will be led by Mthombeni, with Mfolozi, Sesane, Ndebele and Baliti in defence. Kobedi, Mokhuoane and Rasebotja make up the midfield, while Saile, Pule and Mokhachane are selected in attack.

Siwelele’s starting XI: Mthombeni, Mfolozi, Sesane, Ndebele, Baliti, Kobedi, Mokhuoane, Rasebotja, Saile, Pule, Mokhachane.

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

The two clubs have met only once previously. Their first encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, before Sundowns produced a commanding performance in the return fixture to win 7-4.

That previous record gives Sundowns four points from the two meetings, while Siwelele will be hoping to improve their fortunes as they attempt to end their winless start to the campaign.

The match also gives Sundowns the opportunity to build further momentum at the summit and maintain their impressive record at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. For Siwelele, the immediate priority is to collect their first three points of the season and respond after the defeat by Kaizer Chiefs.