Mamelodi Sundowns kick off against TS Galaxy at 19:30. Khuliso Mudau and Jayden Adams are both suspended for the game. Keanu Cupido is also out injured until next season.
A win for Masandawana will clock. But the second-placed Orlando Pirates can still become champions on goal difference. Provided they will win both of their final two matches against Durban City and Orbit College.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ EXPECTED STARTING LINE UP VS TS GALAXY
With one eye on the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, Kabo Yellow are expected two ring the changes.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams, Right back: Zuko Mdutyelwa, Central defender: Malibongwe Khoza, Central defender: Mothobi Mvala, Left back: Divine Lunga, Central midfielder: Gomolemo Kekana, Central midfielder: Sphelele Mkhulise, Attacking midfielder: Katlego Ntsabeleng, Right winger: Monnapule Saleng, Left winger: Kutlwano Lethlaku, Striker: Iqraam Rayners.
Also read: Full list – The coaches who delivered league titles for Orlando Pirates
WHAT COACH MIGUEL CARDOSO SAID
The timing of the fixture has sparked debate. Some have suggested it could have been slotted in between the two CAF Champions League final clashes.
But Cardoso dismissed that idea outright, saying the physical demands and travel schedule facing Sundowns made it unworkable.
According to the Downs coach, balancing domestic commitments while flying across the continent for CAF matches is already stretching the squad to its limits.
“No, that would be absolutely impossible,” said Cardoso. “With the travel to North Africa, how would you make it? We could do it if we had two teams or one squad staying here while the other travels — it’s impossible.”
The Portuguese mentor used the club’s recent return trip from Tunisia after facing Esperance in the semi-finals as an example of the logistical headaches involved.
He explained that Sundowns were unable to secure a night flight after that match and only travelled the following morning because of limited flight availability.
“Even when we came from Espérance, we could not fly in the night,” he said.
“There was no slot available, so we had to leave in the morning. But we were also told that if we flew at night, we would then have had only two days before the next game. That is the reality we are dealing with.”
Despite the growing discussion around the fixture schedule, Cardoso stopped short of revealing what was said in talks between the club’s management and the PSL.
