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Fawaaz Basadien, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Mamelodi Sundowns
Michael Madyira

MTN8 quarter-finals: Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' XI to face Richards Bay - Will Fawaaz Basadien make his Masandawana debut start ahead of Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba?

The Brazilians are out to wrestle the top-eight title away from traditional rivals Orlando Pirates who have won it for the past three seasons.

Mamelodi Sundowns begin their bid to reclaim MTN8 honours with a honours quarter-final against clash against Richards Bay at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

This is a competition the Tshwane giants last won in 2021 and would want to break Orlando Pirates' recent seasons' stranglehold.

Masandawna coach Miguel Cardoso has signed just one player during the current player transfer window and GOAL takes a look at how he could pick his starting line-up against the Natal Rich Boyz. 

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  • Ulsan HD FC v Mamelodi Sundowns FC: Group F - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Getty Images Sport

    GOALKEEPER: Ronwen Williams

    Key for the Bafana Bafana captain would be to start the season with a clean sheet ahead of more demanding fixtures. 

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  • Khuliso Mudau, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    RIGHT-BACK: Khuliso Mudau

    The speedy wing-back can be a menace on the right channel and this is one of the things the Natal Rich Boyz could be worried about.

  • Fawaaz Basadien of Bafana Bafana & Simon Msuva of TanzaniaBackpagepix

    LEFT-BACK: Fawaaz Basadien

    The former Stellenbosch FC man is the only player Cardoso has signed during the current transfer window and the coach would be keen to see how the left-back handles matters under his charge.

    This comes as Sundowns have other options in this role like Divine Lunga and Aubrey Modiba.

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  • Grant Kekana, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Grant Kekana

    Kekana's experience at the back is something Cardoso can back on at any time. 

  • Keanu Cupido, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Keanu Cupido

    A new central defence pairing between Kekana and Cupido emerged at the Club World Cup and it looked promising after keeping two clean sheets, although Masandawana conceded four goals against Borussia Dortmund.

  • Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena

    One of the leaders in this Masandawana side, Mokoena can influence the match with his precise passing and powerful shots at goal. 

  • Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Marcelo Allende

    The Chilean's combination with Mokoena in midfield is something Richards Bay could struggle to deal with.

  • Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, June 2025Getty

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Themba Zwane

    Cardoso might have realised his blunder in overlooking Zwane in the CAF Champions League final after the Bafana vice-captain was exemplary at the Club World Cup.

  • Lucas RibeiroGetty Images

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Lucas Ribeiro Costa

    After recently pushing for a move away from Chloorkop, Ribeiro has a task to prove he still has the same commitment which saw him sweep last season's PSL awards.

  • Tashreeq Matthews, Mamelodi Sundowns, 2025Backpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Tashreeq Matthews

    Even after all the criticism directed towards Matthews by fans, the coach still has so much faith in him and that leaves the speedy winger to justify his selection.

  • Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns, May 2025Backpage

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Iqraam Rayners

    Rayners had a decent outing at the Club World Cup from where he emerged with two goals in three matches and he would want to carry that form into the new season. 

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