MTN8: Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' starting XI to face Orlando Pirates

21:40 EAT 21/10/2022

Sphelele Mkhulise Teboho Mokoena Khuliso Mudau Mamelodi Sundowns

Masandawana will enjoy some home-ground advantage when they square off with Bucs on Saturday, but they might be without several players

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to welcome Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in an MTN8 semi-final second-leg encounter.
The Tshwane giants are likely to be without Brian Onyango, Terrence Mashego, and Mothobi Mvala who have been nursing injuries.
However, coach Manqoba Mngqithi couldn't rule out Peter Shalulile from featuring against Pirates having missed midweek's PSL clash with Marumo Gallants due to injury.
GOAL takes a look at how Sundowns could start against their Gauteng rivals.

Backpagepix

GOALKEEPER - Ronwen Williams

The shot-stopper marked his return to the starting line-up with a clean sheet against Gallants, having been rested during the two Caf Champions League matches against La Passe.
Backpagepix

RIGHT-BACK - Khuliso Mudau

The highly-rated full-back also played well against Gallants and he will be up against Deon Hotto who operates as an attack-minded left wing-back under Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
Backpagepix

LEFT-BACK - Aubrey Modiba

The Bafana Bafana international did not feature in midweek as he is on three yellow cards, but he is expected to return to the team against the Buccaneers.
Backpagepix

CENTRAL DEFENDER - Grant Kekana

The 29-year-old defender was rock-solid at the heart of the Bahlabane Ba Ntwa's defence and he will be looking to replicate the same form this weekend.
Backpagepix

CENTRAL DEFENDER - Rushine de Reuck

The former Pacos de Ferreira academy player is most likely to be assigned to man-mark his former teammate Kermit Erasmus.
Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Andile Jali

The Sundowns vice-captain was rested against Gallants and he looks set to start against his former club with a place in the final at stake.
Backpagepix

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Teboho Mokoena

The box-to-box midfielder, who is a permanent fixture on the team, grabbed his second assist of the season in midweek and he dominated the midfield battle.
Backpagepix

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER - Sphelele Mkhulise

Having been recently urged to add goals to his game by coach Mngqithi, the Cape Town-born midfielder netted against Gallants and he might be handed another starting berth.
Backpagepix.

LEFT FORWARD - Themba Zwane

The versatile attacker produced a Man of the Match performance in midweek and his creativity could be key to the Tshwane giants' win over Pirates.
Backpagepix

RIGHT FORWARD - Gaston Sirino

The 31-year-old, who has re-cemented his place in the starting line-up with his consistent displays, will pose a threat to Bucs' defence with unpredictable movement and tricks.
Backpagepix

CENTRE FORWARD - Peter Shalulile

With Mngqithi having hinted at unleashing a big surprise against Pirates when discussing Shalulile, the two-time PSL Footballer of the Year might start in this massive clash.