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Themba Zwane of Mamelodi SundownsBackpagepix

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

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

  • FBL-AFR-PSL-PIRATES-SUNDOWNSAFP

    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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  • Khuliso Mudau, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2025Backpage

    RIGHT-BACK: Khuliso Mudau

    The intelligent and riving wing-back can be trusted in both defending and when Sundowns are attacking. 

  • Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi SundownsBackpagepix

    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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  • Grant Kekana, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    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. 

  • Keanu Cupido, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpagepix

    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. 

  • Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2025Backpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena

    One of the first names on Cardoso's scoresheet, Mokoena is a player Lupopo know can destroy them in midfield.  

  •  Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Marcelo Allende

    The Chilean is known for his consistency and has, in the past few seasons, gained valuable experience in Africa. 

  • Nuno Santos, Mamelodi SundownsBackpagepix

    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. 

  • Arthur Sales, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Arthur Sales

    Cardoso has on a number of occasions expressed admiration for how the Brazilian forward keeps on improving.  

  • Tashreeq Matthews, Mamelodi Sundowns, October 2025Backpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Tashreeq Matthews

    Another player who has earned the full trust of Csardoso, Matthews' speed can be too much for Lupopo defenders. 

  • Peter Shalulile, Mamelodi SundownsBackpagepix

    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.  

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