Mamelodi Sundowns will face Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday without their key midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
The Brazilians are returning to league action after playing in the CAF Champions League second preliminary rounds against Remo Stars in the past two weeks.
Sundowns thrashed Nigerian side 5-1 away from home in the first-leg before claiming a 2-0 victory at Loftus to book a place in the Champions League group stages. Mokoena played a crucial role for Masandawana in the middle of the park, ensuring that his side advanced to the next stage of the continental competition.
In the current campaign, the Bafana Bafana international featured in 13 appearances across all competitions and netted one goal. The 28-year-old central midfielder is set to miss the crucial league match against Pirates after accumulating his fourth yellow card of the season.
TEBOHO MOKOENA WILL SERVE A ONE-MATCH SUSPENSION
Mokoena received his fourth yellow card in the Carling Knockout Cup when Marumo Gallants defeated Sundowns 7-6 on penalties in the Round of 16. The suspension will see the midfield workhorse miss one match.
In the absence of Mokoena, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will have Bathusi Aubaas, Jayden Adams, and the young Gomolemo Kekana as options in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Pirates and Sundowns are meeting for the third time this season after clashing in the MTN8 semi-final over two legs.
After the tightly-contested match ended 1-1 on aggregate, the Buccaneers won 4-1 on penalties and subsequently lifted the trophy with a 3-0 win over Stellenbosch FC in the final.
Pirates are coming to the encounter against Sundowns with their tails high after beating Magesi FC 2-1 in the Carling Cup quarter-final. The Soweto giants will face Richards Bay FC in the semi-final.
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