+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Mamelodi Sundowns, May 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' XI against Magesi FC - Lucas Ribeiro or Iqraam Rayners, who will Miguel Cardoso rest for Caf Champions League game against Pyramids FC?

Although the Brazilians have successfully defended the PSL title, they will be keen to end the season on a high by winning the last game.

Mamelodi Sundowns have already sealed the Premier Soccer League title, and that means they might not place much priority on the remaining game.

A 3-0 win over Chippa United was enough for Masandawana to grab a record-extending league title and now remains with a dead rubber against Magesi FC.

As Masandawana host Magesi, head coach Miguel Cardoso could field an unfamiliar lineup to rest his top players for the Caf Champions League final against Pyramids.

However, he could also field a strong line and, in this case, use the Magesi game as a test match before the continental final.

Here, GOAL predicts how Cardoso will line up his team for the home game.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • Jody February, Mamelodi Sundowns, February 2025.BackPagePix

    GOALKEEPER: Jody February

    He was deployed for some minutes during the match against Stellenbosch.

    Given that the Magesi match does not mean much for the Tshwane giants, Cardoso, in anticipation of the Pyramids game, might drop Ronwen Williams and field February.

    • Advertisement
  • Khuliso Mudau, Mamelodi Sundowns

    RIGHT-BACK: Khuliso Mudau

    Mudau has proved to be a key player for Cardoso and is expected to keep his place for the Sunday game.

  • Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2024Backpagepix

    LEFT-BACK: Aubrey Modiba

    Defensively, he is a reliable rock and can also be a threat when attacking. This makes an undroppable player when fit.

  • Malibongwe Khoza, Mamelodi Sundowns, November 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Malibongwe Khoza

    He has proven that he is a top defender when given time to prove himself.

    Cardoso is set to field the 21-year-old again as he gains the needed experience to develop to become even better.

  • Grant Kekana, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Grant Kekana

    Another game where Cardoso can experiment with the Kekana-Khoza partnership at the heart of the defence.

    Kekana's experience means that Khoza has so much to learn from him, and playing together against Magesi should guide Cardoso when framing his next lineup.

  • Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena

    His place in the starting lineup is almost guaranteed and is expected not to change going into the next assignment.

  • Sphelele Mkhulise, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sphelele Mkhulise

    Another chance for Cardoso to partner Mkhulise and Mokoena in midfield.

  • Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, April 2025Backpagepix

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Themba Zwane

    The skipper should be deployed as he tries to gain full recovery after an Achilles injury that saw him laid off for some time.

  • Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Lucas Ribeiro

    He is chasing the Golden Boot award and is expected to be fielded in order to try and increase his goal tally.

  • Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Iqraam Rayners

    At 14 goals same as Ribeiro, Cardoso is expected to start him too as he takes a shot at the Golden Boot award.

    He and Ribeiro have shown they can work together effectively, even though they are contesting for the same award.

  • Arthur Sales, Richards Bay vs Mamelodi Sundowns, December 2024Backpagepix

    FORWARD: Arthur Sales

    He scored a brace that helped propel Sundowns to their eighth successive title.

    His hard work and sharp eyes for the goal make him a threat to opponents, and he should face Magesi.