Friday, February 7, 2025

Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns’ XI against Orlando Pirates

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The Brazilians continue with their chase of a record-extending eighth straight Premier Soccer League title.

Mamelodi Sundowns play Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League fixture that will be staged at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The defending champions have no suspended players and are currently doing well across all competitions.

GOAL predicts how coach Miguel Cardoso could pick the men who will do the job against their rivals.

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GOALKEEPER: Ronwen Williams

Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Syndowns

When fit, Williams is the main man between the sticks and Cardoso will surely not change him against Pirates.

In the 10 PSL games he has played, the Bafana goalkeeper has conceded just three goals and kept seven clean sheets in the process.

RIGHT-BACK: Zuko Mdunyelwa

Zuko Mdunyelwa, Mamelodi Sundowns, December 2023

It is not yet clear whether Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena are fit enough for the tough assignment.

However, Mdunyelwa has been delivering for Masandawana and the 25-year-old might get his chance this weekend.

LEFT-BACK: Divine Lunga

Divine Lunga, Mamelodi Sundowns, December 2024

The Zimbabwean international might be considered in the starting team. His pace might come in handy against the quick Pirates forwards.

He was rested against SuperSport United with Asekho Tiwani getting the opportunity.

CENTRE-BACK: Malibongwe Khoza

Malibongwe Khoza and Wonderboy Makhubu

The lanky defender continues to improve and is now a regular at the club as the likes of Mothobi Mvala continue to work on his fitness.

He has nine league appearances and 19 in total across all competitions, with a return of two goals.

CENTRE-BACK: Mosa Lebosa

Mosa Lebusa of Mamelodi Sundowns

He is expected to keep his place at the back alongside Khoza after a good showing in the 3-0 win over SuperSport United on Wednesday.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena

Teboho Mokoena, Sundowns. June 2024.

Mokoena is one of the most consistent players at the club.

He has a goal and an assist in the eight games played in the PSL, and his main job on Saturday will be to shield the defence.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Marcelo Allende

Marcelo Allende and Adam Ennafati

The hardworking Chilean can be instrumental in helping Masandawana dominate proceedings in the middle of the park. His impact can’t be underrated.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Jayden Adams

Jayden Adams, Mamelodi Sundowns, January 2025

In the absence of the suspended Bathusi Aubaas – against SuperSport United, the former Stellenbosch midfielder ran the show and even scored a goal.

He is expected to get his second consecutive start.

RIGHT ATTACKER: Lucas Ribeiro Costa

Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2024

Costa was on target against Arrows for his seventh league goal of the season and will be out to push for the Golden Boot award. He is simply the club’s main threat in attack.

CENTRE-FORWARD: Iqraam Rayners

Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns

Despite Tashreeq Matthews’ heroics against SuperSport where he scored a brace, Rayners is expected to get his starting berth.

He has six league goals so far and will fancy his chance of getting another strike this weekend.

LEFT ATTACKER: Peter Shalulile

Peter Shalulile, Mamelodi Sundowns

The Namibia international has been excellent in the last couple of games. He might be the focal point on Saturday.

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