Mamelodi Sundowns face the prospect of missing their first and second choice goalkeepers in their next PSL match against TS Galaxy on Saturday.
Sundowns face Galaxy one-and-a-half weeks after losing 1-0 to the Rockets although they recovered from the defeat to beat Mpheni Home Defenders 2-0 in the Nedbank Cup before a 3-1 comeback victory over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday.
However, first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was absent from the match against Gallants due to an injury while his deputy Dennis Onyango, who was handed a start on Wednesday, was sent off in the 90th minute for a second bookable offence.
It means Onyango is suspended for Saturday’s home clash against Galaxy while there are doubts over the availability of Williams even though Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is remaining positive.
Cardoso upbeat over Williams’ availability
“Ronwen [Williams] is our first goalkeeper, and Dennis has been on the [good] level because today [Wednesday], again, I remember he [made] a wonderful save from a header that could have been very dangerous,” Cardoso said after Wednesday’s match.
“So, he has been on the [good] level. But I believe that Ronwen will have recovered from a small problem that he had today, and he will be able to go in goal.
“Otherwise, we have Jody [February], we have Sanele [Tshabalala], we have Reyaad Pieterse. So, for sure, someone will stand up if we need some goalkeeper,” added the Portuguese tactician, revealing some of the other goalkeeping options at his disposal.
What are Sundowns’ other keeper options?
Cardoso will hope that reigning PSL Player of the Season Williams recovers in time for Saturday’s match as he is crucial for their campaign as they challenge for the PSL, CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup.
The Ballon d’Or nominee has been ever-present since recovering from an injury early in the season, featuring in 24 matches across all competitions, 12 of them in the league, while Onyango has deputised, playing nine matches this season.
Among the other goalkeepers, only Jody February has played this season, making three appearances, all in the MTN8, with his last appearance being on September 1 when Sundowns were eliminated by Stellenbosch at the semi-final stage, while Sanele Tshabalala and Reyaad Pieterse are yet to
