Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their quest for a first MTN8 title in four years when they face Richards Bay in the quarter-final on Sunday August 3 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Sundowns have seen the trophy elude them in the last three years, reaching the final in 2023, and are keen to return to the winners’ podium for the first time since 2021.
The Brazilians take on Richards Bay, who are relatively new to this stage, and are the overwhelming favourites to make it to the semi-final in Sunday’s match.
Form guide
Both Sundowns and Richards Bay have opted for pre-season training at home with the Brazilians returning to camp two weeks ago after their season ended late owing to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Sundowns had ended the PSL campaign with six straight wins before losing the CAF Champions League title after a draw at home and loss away and at the Club World Cup, they secured a win, loss and draw to exit at the group stage.
Both teams have not been involved in any pre-season matches but will hope that they still have the sharpness required to win Sunday’s encounter.
Sundowns vs Richards Bay head-to-head
Sundowns have bossed Richards Bay as they have won all their eight meetings and to show their dominance, the Natal Rich Boyz have scored in just one of those encounters with the Brazilians keeping seven clean sheets.
Last season, Sundowns won 2-0 at home in December 2024 before a 3-0 victory away and few expect anything other than a win for Miguel Cardoso’s team.
Mamelodi Sundowns team news
Sundowns have so far made just one signing after bringing in left-back Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC and it remains to be seen if Cardoso will unleash him on Sunday given, he has many options in the position.
Meanwhile, there are question marks over the future of playmaker Lucas Ribeiro, who is wanted by Brazilian side Fluminense and Qatar SC, and whether the transfer rumours have affected him is something fans will be waiting to see on Sunday.
What has been said ahead of the MTN8 clash?
Sundowns started last season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Polokwane City in the quarter-final before losing 2-0 on aggregate to Stellenbosch FC in the semi-final and defender Ashley Cupido wants them to right those wrongs this year.
“We want to start the season very well. This is a game where we want to show up. We want to win this trophy,” he said.
Time and where to watch Sundowns vs Richards Bay
The MTN8 match will kick off at 18:00 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday and will be live on both SABC and SuperSport TV.
Mamelodi Sundowns predicted lineup
Williams, Mudau, Basadien, Cupido, Kekana, Mokoena, Allende, Adams, Ribeiro, Sales, Rayners
