Chippa vs Sundowns: Preview, team news, time and where to watch

Mamelodi Sundowns will be out to begin the 2025-26 PSL campaign with a win as they kick off their season away to Chippa United on Saturday August 9.

Sundowns are looking to make it nine title wins in a row and are confident of delivering it thanks to the quality and depth of their squad and they are favourites to win against a Chippa side looking to improve on their 11^th place finish of last season.

Coach Miguel Cardoso saw his charges show their might with a 4-0 thrashing of Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarter-final on Sunday and will be confident of another big win at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Form guide

The MTN8 quarter-final was the first match for Sundowns since their return for pre-season and their performance suggested they are ready for the league kick off as they did it even without Lucas Ribeiro, Khuliso Mudau, Peter Shalulile and Thapelo Morena in the squad.

Meanwhile, Chippa have not featured in any competitive match and face a massive test as their first game is against the best team in the country but new coach Sinethemba Badela, who has received eight new players this week, has to work his magic.

Head-to-head

History favours Sundowns in this fixture since in their 30 meetings across all competitions, Chippa have won just two, the Brazilians claiming 20 victories, while eight have been draws.

That run includes seven straight wins coming into this match, among them identical 3-0 wins for Sundowns home and away last season.

Mamelodi Sundowns salute their fans at FIFA Club World Cup. Photo -Mamelodi Sundowns

Team news

Chippa have unveiled eight new signings this week, being; Sammy Seabi, Banele Hlophe (JDR Stars), Azola Tshobeni (Orlando Pirates), Thamsanqa Magwaza, Khaya Mfecane, Thulani Mini, Abdoulaye Mariko (Orlando Pirates FC, loan) Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates, loan) and Elson Ayanda and will be hoping to unleash them on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sundowns have signed one player in Fawaaz Basadien and he could get his first start on Saturday, after coming off the bench late on Sunday, but question marks remain on Ribeiro, Mudau and Shalulile, whose futures are uncertain at the club, and how they line up will give an indication on their situation.

What have they said?

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has urged his side to make a major statement of intent by starting strongly in their season-opener.

“Any club that is capable of competing at the highest level must be very respectful towards their opponents. The story of Sundowns obliges us to think about winning regularly,” said Cardoso as quoted by SuperSport.

“I told the players that it is very important to deliver a statement in the first match of the new league season.

“Chippa United have been playing some friendly matches here in Joburg but we do not know what to expect. I hope that after the match on Saturday, the new Chippa United coach goes on to have a successful career.”