Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Aubrey Modiba has weighed in on the massive blow that will see Teboho Mokoena miss the club’s highly-anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns is preparing to face the Buccaneers at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Saturday without their key midfield maestro, Teboho Mokoena.
The former SuperSport United star will serve a one-match suspension after receiving his fourth yellow card of the 2025/26 season. Mokoena accumulated his fourth yellow card in a Carling Knockout Cup loss against Marumo Gallants in the Last 16.
The Bafana Bafana international was cautioned late in the extra time as Sundowns went on to suffer a 7-6 defeat on penalties against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.
Mokoena’s absence is a major blow for the Brazilians as he has been the heartbeat of the team in the middle of the park. The highly-rated midfielder also played a crucial role in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round after Sundowns beat Remo Stars 7-1 on aggregate to book a spot in the group stages of the competition.
WHAT MODIBA SAID ABOUT TEBOHO MOKOENA’S ABSENCE
In the current campaign, the 28-year-old has made 13 appearances across all competitions and scored 1 goal. Interestingly, his solitary goal this season came against Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final.
Sundowns wing-back Modiba has shared his thoughts on Mokoena’s suspension, revealing that they would want to claim a win against Pirates and dedicate it to him.
“Tebza is a very important player for our team, we know what he offers. I think we have other players who can come and help us on the day,” Modiba told the media.
“We have quality in other players, but obviously Tebza is very important for us, and we’re going to miss him in this game. Hopefully, we win it for him.”
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso will have Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, and Gomolemo Kekana as players who can come in as replacements for Mokoena.
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