Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Mokoena and Modiba blow, FIFA sanctions avoided & more

Latest on Mamelodi Sundowns, including news that Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba have been ruled out of Bafana Bafana’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against Eritrea and the Brazilians’ avoiding hefty fines from FIFA.

Mokoena and Modiba blow for Bafana

Mamelodi Sundowns pair Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba have been ruled out of Bafana Bafana’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against Eritrea on Wednesday, with coach Pitso Mosimane confirming that both players are carrying injuries.

Teboho Mokoena and Ricardo Goss in Bafana training. Image: SAFA

Neither player has trained since the squad arrived in Cairo. Both Mokoena and Modiba started Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Guinea in Johannesburg, with the latter withdrawn in the second half due to his injury. Mokoena, meanwhile, felt discomfort in the closing stages of the Guinea match but remained on the pitch after Mosimane had already used all of his substitutions.

Scans have since confirmed that neither will be available for the Eritrea clash, and there is also doubt over their availability for Sunday’s friendly against Egypt.

Aubrey Modiba in training with Bafana Bafana. Photo: Imago

Mosimane faces enforced changes in midfield and at left-back. Samukele Kabini, who scored the second goal against Guinea, is expected to deputise for Modiba at left-back, while a midfield pairing of Bathusi Aubaas and Sphephelo Sithole, with Relebohile Mofokeng operating just ahead of them, looks the most likely solution.

Both players remain with the squad and are receiving treatment but it is a concern for their club Mamelodi Sundowns as they are vital players for coach Miguel Cardoso.

Mamelodi Sundowns escape FIFA punishment

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

Mamelodi Sundowns have avoided potential financial sanctions from FIFA following their debut appearance in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The African champions secured the African-Asian-Pacific Cup title after defeating Al Ahli Saudi FC 10 days ago, earning a place in the Challenger Cup. The match will effectively serve as the semi-final of the Intercontinental Cup, with Paris Saint-Germain awaiting the winner in the final.

Despite three Sundowns players receiving yellow cards in their victory over Al Ahli, the club will not face an additional financial penalty from FIFA.

Under FIFA’s disciplinary framework, yellow cards in competitions under the governing body’s jurisdiction can result in financial sanctions. A yellow card carries a USD10,000 (R164,000) fine, while an indirect red card can attract a USD15,000 (R246,000) penalty. A direct red card carries a USD20,000 (R329,000) fine.

Team misconduct can also result in a USD15,000 (R246,000) fine.

Teboho Mokoena, Nuno Santos and Brayan Leon were all cautioned during Sundowns’ match against Al Ahli. However, the club’s three yellow cards fall below the threshold that would trigger the additional team sanction.