Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Downs to prove point, Matthews on MTN8, trio’s impact, & more

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Downs to prove point, Matthews on MTN8, trio’s impact, & more

Latest Mamelodi Sundowns news, including whether Downs can deliver MTN8 without trio, Tashreeq Matthews on Cup final, Masandawana to prove a point, and more.

Sundowns news as they break

Can Downs survive without trio?

Lehlohonolo Majoro has shared his thoughts on whether Mamelodi Sundowns have enough depth to cope without the trio of Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Aubrey Modiba ahead of the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

Mokoena sustained an injury [unspecified knock] during South Africa’s AFCON qualifier against Guinea and missed the games against Eritrea and Egypt, leaving him a major doubt.

Meanwhile, Aubaas was forced off in the first half against Eritrea [due to a hamstring injury], while Modiba also suffered a tight hamstring injury against Guinea, missing the Eritrea tie and was rested as a precaution against Egypt.

“I think Sundowns is one team that has a lot of players who are equally as good. Yes, we would want every player to be in the final so that we can witness good football played by two strong teams that have been performing well in our league,” Majoro told FARPost.

Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate after winning the FIFA Afrian Asian Pacific Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate after winning the FIFA Afrian Asian Pacific Cup. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

“With the niggling injuries for Sundowns, we will see, but hopefully, it is something that the medical staff can resolve just before the final.

“However, I believe Mamelodi Sundowns have enough players who can fill in the spaces left by Mokoena, Aubaas, and Modiba if they do not recover on time.”

Matthews on MTN8 final

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews has given his thoughts on MTN8 final opponents Orlando Pirates

Sundowns to prove a point against Pirates?

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Dan Semake has opened up on why The Brazilians would want to ‘prove a point’ against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.

Sundowns and Pirates will go head-to-head for the first domestic trophy on offer this season on Saturday afternoon at Moses Mabhida Stadium and Semake has warned Masandawana not to play into the Buccaneers’ hands by playing a high intensity game.

“The MTN8 final won’t be easy, especially for Sundowns, if Sundowns would want to match Pirates with the pace, they would be making a mistake, because I think Pirates have young players and they are energetic, they want to prove a point,” Semake told KickOff.

“So Sundowns must just use their experience to win the final. They must just play the game they are used to. I mean Sundowns has vast experience in these types of games

“Obviously Pirates will come hard on Sundowns, because of these young boys who are still trying to make a name for themselves. It will be difficult, especially for Sundowns.”

Semake also opened up on why Sundowns have not done so well in domestic competitions over the years, unlike in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and international matches.

Nuno Santos of Mamelodi Sundowns
Nuno Santos of Mamelodi Sundowns

“I’m not sure that it’s because they were unlucky, I’m sure I would sound funny but I think they were not interested that much in domestic cups. The main target and mandate is the league. I’m not sure, maybe I’m making a mistake but Sundowns’ mandate is the league and continental trophies,” the former Sundowns academy graduate said.

“They’ve shown me that they are not that interested (in domestic cups) but on this one, Sundowns will want to prove a point that ‘we can take it if we want’, especially after Pirates won the league last season. So they would want to prove that point,” Semake added.

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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