Mamelodi Sundowns will be without seven of their national team players when they take on TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup on Wednesday.
Sundowns visit Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Wednesday evening at 19h30. Ronwen Williams, Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, and Themba Zwane all started in the 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast on Tuesday night. Grant Kekana was a second-half substitute.
The seven will fly straight to Luanda, Angola from Abidjan, which is a nine-hour flight. The Brazilians take on Petro de Luanda on Saturday in their African Football League opener. Bafana only arrives in Johannesburg in the early hours of Thursday morning. It effectively rules out any possibility of playing a part against Galaxy.
Nonetheless, the available players will be eager to prove they are good enough to win a crucial tie for the club.
Here’s how Coach Rulani Mokwena’s Sundowns could line up
GOALKEEPER
The DStv Premiership champions are spoilt for choice in that department. With Ronwen Williams away with the national team, they still have Reyaad Pieterse and veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango. Mokwena looks likely to go for experience and give a run to Onyango.
DEFENCE
In defence, Mokwena could go with the centre-back pairing of Rushine De Reuck and Mosa Lebusa. De Reuck will welcome some game time after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury. Downs have Abdelmounaim Boutouil on the left while Lebohang Maboe’s versatility could be tested at right back. Thapelo Morena is still out injured, while Mudau is with Bafana. It leaves Maboe as an option. Mokwena could also throw in Terrence Mashego in case he decides to play Boutouil in the heart of defence.
MIDFIELD
In the middle of the park, Sundowns will likely have Rivaldo Coetzee and Bongani Zungu at the base, with Neo Maema and Marcelo Allende occupying the two attacking positions in midfield. Of course, there is also Sphelele Mkhulise and Bathusi Aubaas as options in midfield.
STRIKERS
Mokwena may have a bit of a headache in attack with Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro both doubts. Luckily, Lesiba Nku is back from injury and could slot in on the one wing while Abubeker Nasir could lead the attack. Nasir just returned from injury and may have to share the load with young Siyabonga Mabena. There is also Junior Mendieta, who could play a significant role.
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