Sundowns hit by triple blow ahead of Galaxy test
Mamelodi Sundowns face a significant challenge in their upcoming Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy, as they will be without three key players.
Sundowns are preparing to face a tricky Galaxy side on Saturday, 22 February 2025, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria. The Brazilians are fresh from claiming a 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday night at the Dr Molemela Stadium.
The win against Gallants saw Sundowns take their point-tally to 45 points in 17 matches. They have won 15 games in the league and lost two times.
Masandawana moved 12 points clear from second-placed Orlando Pirates, who accumulated 33 points in 14 games. The Buccaneers have three games in hand after their midweek match against Golden Arrows was postponed due to inclement weather.
Meanwhile, Sundowns will face the Rockets for the second time in less than two weeks after the two sides met in an entertaining league match at Mbombela Stadium on the 11th of February. In that encounter, the TS Galaxy caused a big upset after defeating Sundowns with a scoreline of 1-0.
SUNDOWNS TRIO DENIS ONYANGO, GRANT KEKANA, AND TASHREEQ MATTHEWS SUSPENDED
Sundowns are set to face Galaxy without the services of defender Grant Kekana, midfielder Tashreeq Matthews, and goalkeeper Denis Onyango due to suspension.
The Bafana Bafana international, Kekana, accumulated his fourth yellow card of the season against Gallants, while Onyango was shown a red card in the same match.
Matthews received a red card in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 match against Mpheni Home Defenders at Lucas Moripe Stadium last Sunday.
On the other hand, Pirates will miss their midfielder Kabelo Dlamini, who received his fourth booking in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 against Baroka this past weekend.
Dlamini has been one of the key players for Pirates after featuring in 28 matches across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing seven assists. But the Soweto giants have Philip Ndlondlo, Selaelo Rasebotja, Azola Tshobeni and Karim Kimvuidi to replace Dlamini in the starting line-up.
Other players who are suspended for the weekend’s league fixtures are Yanela Mbuthuma, Christopher Sithole, and Masindi Nemtajela. Cape Town City FC assistant coach Lebogang Manyama is also serving a suspension.
RELATED STORY: Denis Onyango addresses retirement question