Sundowns name starting XI for Gallants clash as they chase first home league win

Mamelodi Sundowns have named their starting XI for this evening’s Betway Premiership catch-up fixture against Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with Miguel Cardoso’s side looking to claim their first home league victory of the season.

Sundowns began their current league campaign with a narrow 3-2 win over TS Galaxy before recovering from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium this past weekend.

Cardoso has been forced to make changes to his team, with Nuno Santos, Teboho Mokoena and Keanu Cupido unavailable because of injury.

Williams starts in goal for the hosts, with Mudau, Kekana, Khoza and Basadien forming the defensive line. Aubaas, Allende and Matthews are selected in midfield, while Mailula, B. Mokoena and Leon make up the attacking options.

Sundowns’ substitutes are Goss, Mvala, Modiba, Ndlovu, Rayners, Mkhulise, Zwane, Mdunyelwa and Letlhaku.

Gallants still searching for first win

Marumo Gallants are yet to collect maximum points in the Betway Premiership this season.

They opened their campaign with a goalless home draw against newcomers Kruger United, then suffered a 3-1 defeat by Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town.

Gallants have selected Lako, Ncube, Rikhotso, Sikakane and Madiba in defence. Luthuli, Ndlondlo and Manaka will operate in midfield, with Mabuza, Kunene and Otladisa named in the forward positions.

Their substitutes are Mblambo, Mphambaniso, Sikhosana, Lukhele, Dhludhlu, Button, Moletshe, Marebane and Mkhwanazi.

Sundowns have never lost to Gallants in a league meeting. Their record across eight encounters since the 2021/22 season stands at six wins and two draws.

The Chloorkop club took four points from the corresponding fixtures last season. The first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in Limpopo before Sundowns secured a convincing 3-1 victory at home.

Starting line-ups

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Khoza, Basadien, Aubaas, Allende, Matthews, Mailula, B. Mokoena, Leon.

Substitutes: Goss, Mvala, Modiba, Ndlovu, Rayners, Mkhulise, Zwane, Mdunyelwa, Letlhaku.

Marumo Gallants: Lako, Ncube, Rikhotso, Sikakane, Madiba, Luthuli, Ndlondlo, Manaka, Mabuza, Kunene, Otladisa.

Substitutes: Mblambo, Mphambaniso, Sikhosana, Lukhele, Dhludhlu, Button, Moletshe, Marebane, Mkhwanazi.

The fixture gives Sundowns an opportunity to extend their unbeaten record against Gallants while strengthening their early league position. For Gallants, the match provides another chance to secure their first maximum points of the campaign after a difficult opening two games.