Kaizer Chiefs will play hosts to the African champions at the FNB Stadium this afternoon, kick off is at 15:00. SABC 1 will televise the action, as well as SuperSport 202.
Amakhosi coach Fernando Da Cruz could make several changes for the clash. The French coach suggested his injured players are unlikely to recover in time.
FERNDO DA CRUZ FACES SELECTION HEADACHE
Flávio Silva, Bradley Cross, Ethan Chislett, Khanyisa Mayo and Paseka Mako remain doubts. Da Cruz could also rest a couple of regulars after Kaizer Chiefs played twice in six days.
Mamelodi Sundowns also have a major injury concern. Teboho Mokoena is expected to miss several weeks after suffering a horrific tackle from Surprise Manthosi against Polokwane City in the MTN8.
Sundowns still have plenty of quality available. The defending champions opened their league campaign with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over TS Galaxy.
Kaizer Chiefs are expected to start Brandon Petersen in goal. Thabiso Monyane, Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika and Reeve Frosler could form the defence.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Lebohang Maboe are expected in midfield. Expected to hurt Sundowns on transitions, the pace of Mduduzi Shabalala, Asanele Velebayi and Dillan Solomons could support Etiosa Ighodaro in attack.
Kaizer Chiefs’ expected starting line up: Petersen, Monyane, Miguel, Kwinika, Frosler, Mthethwa, Maboe, Shabalala, Velebayi, Solomons, Ighodaro.
Ronwen Williams is expected to start behind Khuliso Mudau, Kegan Johannes, Grant Kekana and Fawaaz Basadien.
Gomolemo Kekana, Marcelo Allende and Nuno Santos could form the midfield. Tashreeq Matthews, Antonio van Wyk and Brayan León are expected to lead the attack.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ expected starting line up: Williams, Mudau, Johannes, Kekana, Basadien, Kekana, Allende, Santos, Matthews, van Wyk, Leon.
KAIZER CHIEFS HAVE RECENTLY HELD SUNDOWNS
Recent league meetings have produced little between the two giants.
The first clash of the 2025/26 season ended 0-0 at FNB Stadium on 27 August 2025. Kaizer Chiefs produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate Mamelodi Sundowns.
The return fixture at Loftus Versfeld Stadium also ended in a draw. Flávio Silva gave Kaizer Chiefs the lead before Brayan León equalised in a 1-1 draw.
The last meeting between the giants to produce a winner came in the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup semifinal.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa put Sundowns ahead at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Wandile Duba restored parity in the 57th minute before Ashley Du Preez completed a dramatic comeback.
The 2-1 victory sent Kaizer Chiefs into the Nedbank Cup final.
