Sundowns name starting XI for Golden Arrows clash as leaders’ place opens up

Mamelodi Sundowns have named their starting line-up for Sunday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Golden Arrows, with victory at the King Zwelithini Stadium enough to send the reigning runners-up to the top of the table.

The match, which kicks off at 15h00, gives second-placed Sundowns an opportunity to take advantage of the current champions’ absence from domestic action. The champions are involved in the CAF Champions League this weekend, leaving Masandawana with a chance to move to the summit by beating Abafana Besthende.

The fixture is also the third meeting between the two clubs in the space of two weeks. Sundowns recently overcame Arrows in the MTN8 semi-finals, advancing to the final on the away-goal rule after overturning a first-leg defeat.

Golden Arrows have made a solid start to their league campaign and are yet to concede in four matches. They occupy seventh place after recording three draws and one victory, with their only win coming against Stellenbosch FC.

Their defensive record was finally broken by Sundowns in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final. Masandawana scored three times across the two halves to overturn the home defeat and secure their place in the final.

The two sides also split their league meetings last season. Arrows won the corresponding home fixture before Sundowns gained revenge in the return match.

Recent results between the clubs underline how closely matched the contest has been, with each side recording two victories in the previous five meetings. Another draw completes that sequence.

Sundowns manager has selected Williams in goal, with Morena, Kekana, Ndamane and Basadien forming the defensive line. Mokoena, Allende and Ndlovu are named in midfield, while Matthews, Leon and Mailula lead the attack.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ substitutes are Goss, Mdunyelwa, Khoza, Modiba, Mkhulise, Zwane, B.Mokoena, Van Wyk and Rayners.

Golden Arrows will start with Mbanjwa between the posts. Shezi, Agnikoi, Manstshiyane and Maluleke make up the defence, while Dlamini, Zwane, Maxwele and Van Neel are selected in midfield. Gasa and Dion are the forward pairing.

Arrows’ substitutes are Msibi, Madonsela, Mafuleka, Radzhadzhi, Khumalo, van Rooi, Khuamlo, Sithole and Moli.

The encounter at the King Zwelithini Stadium represents another test for an Arrows side that has kept a clean sheet in all four league games so far. Sundowns, meanwhile, will look to carry the confidence of their MTN8 comeback into the league and make the most of the opportunity created by the leaders’ continental commitments.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15h00 on Sunday.