Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Mailula’s great form explained, Rayners’ health update & more

Latest Mamelodi Sundowns news as ex-striker explains Cassius Mailula’s bright start while coach Miguel Cardoso explains why Iqraam Rayners was missing from the squad that fell 1-0 to Golden Arrows.

Mailula’s bright start at Sundowns explained

Cassius Mailula’s return to Mamelodi Sundowns is slowly re-awakening the forward, who is enjoying football once more — and former Brazilians and Golden Arrows striker Rodney Ramagalela believes he knows exactly why.

The 25-year-old returned to Sundowns after his contract with Toronto FC was mutually terminated, having previously struggled for game time in MLS, with loan spells at Wydad Athletic Club and KV Kortrijk in Belgium doing little to rekindle his best form.

But back at the club where he first made his name, Mailula has been a different animal entirely. He has already scored three goals in his first four matches since returning to the club last month, including the decisive strike in the MTN8 quarter-final comeback win over Polokwane City and another in the 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Marumo Gallants.

Speaking to FARPost, Ramagalela highlighted the importance of familiarity and belief in restoring the Limpopo-born forward’s sharpness. The former PSL striker was effusive in his assessment, saying Mailula is a player you simply cannot take your eyes off when he is on the pitch, given his capacity to punish opponents.

Cardoso explains Rayners and Ntsabeleng absences

Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a frustrating afternoon as they lost 1-0 to Golden Arrows in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with Sede Junior Dion’s 38th-minute strike proving the difference.

Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners was a surprise absentee on the day, as was midfielder Tsiki Ntsabeleng, and coach Miguel Cardoso has since addressed both players’ situations.

Speaking to media after the match, Cardoso confirmed that while Rayners had not appeared on the club’s official injury list, he had in fact been nursing a problem — with the forward having shown up to Saturday’s training session with flu.

“Yesterday he appeared on the session with a flu and he could not be lined up so he could not be available for the match,” said Cardoso.

Ntsabeleng, meanwhile, is still working his way back to full fitness and was not considered ready for selection.

Miguel Cardoso reveals why Iqraam Rayners was NOT part of the matchday squad against Golden Arrows today. 👆⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tEgjVwvTSp

— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) August 23, 2026

“What made us not have an option on his is because we felt he still needs a little bit more of training in order to be available and we will always have a few players that will stay out for completely different situations,” Cardoso said of Ntsabeleng.