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Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Peter Shalulile, Grant Kekana and Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage
Clifton Mabasa

Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' XI to face AS Maniema Union in Caf Champions League clash - Manqoba Mngqithi to drop Khuliso Mudau for Thapelo Morena?

Downs will now turn their focus to the Champions League as they face Greens and Blacks following their unsuccessful campaign in the Carling Knockout.

Mamelodi Sundowns kick off their Caf Champions League group stage journey with a match at home against AS Maniema Union. The game is scheduled for 18h00 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night.

Manqoba Mngqithi has been open to rotating his squad, but in this upcoming match, he is inclined to field his strongest lineup, featuring players such as Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau, just to mention a few. 

Nearly all the key and trusted members of the Brazilians participated in the club's disappointing loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final last Saturday.

Here, GOAL observes Sundowns' squad and forecasts how Mngqithi is likely to line up his team against Maniema Union.

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  • Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    GOALKEEPER: Ronwen Williams

    The Bafana Bafana captain is a crucial member of Mngqithi's team and he should continue between the sticks. 

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  • Khuliso MudauBackpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK: Khuliso Mudau

    Mudau will need to perform at his peak to prevent making an error similar to the one he made in the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC, which resulted in Sundowns' coach criticising him.

  • Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2024Backpagepix

    LEFT-BACK: Aubrey Modiba

    The creativity of the South Africa international has consistently shone brightly in the Caf Champions League over the years, he is likely to start ahead of Asekho Tiwani and Devine Lunga.

  • Grant Kekana, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Grant Kekana

    It is highly unlikely that there will be any surprises in the defensive setup of Masandawana. Kekana is expected to lead Downs' defence line.

  • Mothobi Mvala, Mamelodi Sundowns, November 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Mothobi Mvala

    The expertise of the 30-year-old might play a vital role in the match against AS Maniema Union.

  • Bathusi Aubaas, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Bathusi Aubaas

    Local football lovers have commended him for his outstanding performance for both Downs and Bafana Bafana since the beginning of the season. He is likely once again to take up a position in the central midfield alongside Mokoena.

  • Teboho Mokoena, Sundowns. June 2024.BackPagePix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena

    Mokoena consistently performs on the grand stage when called upon, and pairing him with Aubaas would greatly assist the Brazilians in starting the group stage on a positive note.

  • Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns, November 2024Mamelodi Sundowns

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Marcelo Allende

    There are options for change in the attacking midfield, with Neo Maema amongst the good players for the position, but Mngqithi could go with the Chilean star in this clash.

  • Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Iqraam Rayners

    The speedy forward has been performing exceptionally well for the Tshwane giants and he will be aiming to continue making his mark in continental football after scoring in the Caf Champions League preliminary round.

  • Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi Sundowns, November 2024BackPagePix

    LEFT ATTACKER: Lucas Ribeiro

    The Brazilian star has been in outstanding form for Sundowns this season, netting seven goals in all competitions and he is a certain starter in this contest.

  • Peter Shalulile, NamibiaBackpage

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Peter Shalulile

    Shalulile has picked up his pace after a sluggish start to the season, and Mngqithi could count on him to inspire the team towards securing all three points against the Congolese club.