MTN8: Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' XI to face Orlando Pirates

11:03 PM IST 30/09/22

Peter Shalulile Themba Zwane Mkhulise Mamelodi Sundowns

Masandawana will be looking to continue their good form when they lock horns with the Buccaneers.

Mamelodi Sundowns are scheduled to travel to the iconic Orlando Stadium where they are expected to face Orlando Pirates in an MTN8 semi-final, first-leg game on Saturday.

The Brazilians are coming into this encounter in great form having recorded their third consecutive victory when they defeated AmaZulu FC just before the recent international break.

The reigning MTN8 champions are likely to be boosted by the return of Abubeker Nasir from illness, while Abdelmounaim Boutouil could make his debut after completing his transfer to Masandawana.

GOAL predicts Sundowns' starting line-up ahead of their clash against Pirates.

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GOALKEEPER - Ronwen Williams

The Bafana captain, who has been in fine form for both his club and country, will be eager to keep a clean sheet in Soweto.
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RIGHT-BACK - Khuliso Mudau

The Limpopo-born full-back is undoubtedly the best right-back in the country at the moment and he is a permanent fixture in the Masandawana starting line-up.
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LEFT-BACK - Sifiso Ngobeni

The lanky full-back seems to have established himself as the Brazilians' first-choice left-back following Lyle Lakay's move to Cape Town City.
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CENTRE BACK - Grant Kekana

The Polokwane-born defender has re-cemented his place in the Masandawana team after recovering from his injury which led him to miss several matches this term.
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CENTRE BACK - Rushine de Reuck

The ball-playing defender is most likely to be assigned to man-mark Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa who grabbed two assists for Bafana against Sierra Leone.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Andile Jali

The Sundowns vice-captain will be keen to lead the Tshwane giants to a victory over his former club.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Teboho Mokoena

The technically gifted midfielder will be oozing confidence having scored the only goal of the match as Bafana defeated Botswana on Tuesday.
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ATTACKING MIDFIELDER - Themba Zwane

The in-form attacker is another Sundowns player who was in good form during the Fifa break - grabbing a brace in a win over Sierra Leone.
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RIGHT FORWARD - Thapelo Morena

The speedy utility player tends to be deployed as an attacker in big matches and his speed might create problems for the Pirates defence.
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LEFT FORWARD - Marcelo Allende

The Pudahuel-born attacker was the hero against AmaZulu as he came off the bench to score the winning goal and he could be rewarded with a starting berth.
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CENTRE FORWARD - Peter Shalulile

The Namibian marksman will be relishing this match as he always brings his A-game when faces Pirates having scored three times against the Soweto giants last season.