Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' XI to face FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo in CAF Champions League group opener - AFCON-hopeful Themba Zwane to make surprise start?

Masandawana host the Railmen at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday as they begin their CAF Champions League Group C campaign. They are keen on making a strong statement, knowing a win would help them stay at par or overtake Al Hilal, who occupy top spot after edging MC Alger on Friday. With home advantage and high expectations on them after last season's near-miss in this tournament, the Tshwane giants will be pushing to seize early control of the group.

GOAL predicts how Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso could line up his men against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo on Saturday.Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

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GOALKEEPER: Ronwen Williams
The Brazilians goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in the last match Sundowns played before the FIFA break and also did not concede in the 45 minutes he played for Bafana against Zambia.

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RIGHT-BACK: Khuliso Mudau
The intelligent and riving wing-back can be trusted in both defending and when Sundowns are attacking.
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LEFT-BACK: Aubrey Modiba
The former Cape Town City man completes Sundowns' strength in the wing-back as he justifies why he deserves to start ahead of Divine Lunga.

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CENTRE-BACK: Grant Kekana
This is a man keen on proving to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos that he deserves to return to the national side, especially with the 2025 AFCON looming.
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CENTRE-BACK: Keanu Cupido
Since the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Cupido has never looked back and has been a regular starter whenever he is available for selection.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena
One of the first names on Cardoso's scoresheet, Mokoena is a player Lupopo know can destroy them in midfield.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Marcelo Allende
The Chilean is known for his consistency and has, in the past few seasons, gained valuable experience in Africa.
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ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Nuno Santos
The Portuguese linkman is still trying to warm up to Champions League football and will now have a feel of what the group stage feels like.
He should start ahead of Themba Zwane who lacks match fitness.
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RIGHT ATTACKER: Arthur Sales
Cardoso has on a number of occasions expressed admiration for how the Brazilian forward keeps on improving.
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LEFT ATTACKER: Tashreeq Matthews
Another player who has earned the full trust of Csardoso, Matthews' speed can be too much for Lupopo defenders.
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CENTRE-FORWARD: Peter Shalulile
After Iqraam Raynetrs had a cardiac scare, he has been used sparingly with caution and that makes way for Shalulile to start.