TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns name starting XIs for Betway Premiership clash

TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed their starting line-ups for this evening’s Betway Premiership meeting at Mbombela Stadium, with both sides looking to make an early statement in the new campaign.

Galaxy began their league season last week with an entertaining 2-2 draw away to Siwelele FC. Their opening match was further complicated by the dismissal of goalkeeper Gift Maseti, leaving TS Galaxy to complete the contest with 10 players.

Mamelodi Sundowns enter the fixture after opening their season with a 3-2 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8. That result secured their place in the semi-finals.

The reigning champions did not play in the opening round of the competition because their scheduled match against Marumo Gallants was postponed. The match was rearranged after Sundowns’ late pre-season programme.

There is added significance to the meeting because TS Galaxy disrupted Sundowns’ title ambitions last season with a 3-2 win at the same venue.

The Rockets also claimed victory over Masandawana in the Nedbank Cup, beating them 2-0. The two teams therefore won one match each in their meetings last season.

Despite those recent results, Sundowns have the stronger overall record in this league fixture. They have won eight of the 12 league matches between the clubs, compared with three victories for Galaxy, while one match has ended in a draw.

The confirmed Sundowns line-up features Williams in goal, with Mudau, Johannes, Khoza and Basadien forming the defensive unit. Gomolemo Kekana, Allende, Santos and Matthews are also named in midfield, while van Wyk and Leon lead the attack.

Sundowns’ substitutes are Goss, Mvala, Modiba, Mdunyelwa, Mkhulise, Zwane, Mokoena, Mailula and Rayners.

TS Galaxy will start with Tape, Motaung, Zulu, Mncwango and Kokora. Nkosi, Mvelase, Mahlambi and Zindoga are also included, with Letsoalo and George completing the starting XI.

The Galaxy substitutes are Madela, Mahlangu, Silva, Fisher, Maake, Mbunjane, Rantoa, Ngwenya and Zulu.

With Galaxy having already shown last season that they can trouble Sundowns at Mbombela Stadium, the hosts will be aiming to build on their positive start while the visitors seek another early-season win. The contrasting opening results and the teams’ recent cup and league meetings have created an immediate test for both clubs.

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