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Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

Predicting Mamelodi Sundowns' XI to face Marumo Gallants - Miguel Cardoso's headache! Iqraam Rayners or Peter Shalulile?

Masandawana will be back in action for a midweek game to face Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, who are without a win in the last three games, despite starting the campaign positively.

Mamelodi Sundowns look to be fast getting their mojo back as the Premier Soccer League campaign catches momentum.

Although they appeared rather shaky when the season started, the PSL defending champions swept aside Magesi FC, getting a 3-0 result that propelled them to the top of the table. This position, however, is subject to change given that Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United are in action on Tuesday. 

On Wednesday, Sundowns are back in action, hunting for one more win this season as they are set to face Marumo Gallants.

Against Magesi, Cardoso preferred a partnership of Malibongwe Khoza and Mosa Lebusa at the heart of the defence. The pair helped Sundowns produce a clean sheet, but the coach might ring changes again for the upcoming game.

Here, GOAL looks at how Cardoso will line up his players to face Gallants at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

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  • Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    GOALKEEPER: Ronwen Williams

    The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper kept another clean sheet against Magesi and is expected to keep his starting spot again. 

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  • Thapelo Morena, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    RIGHT-BACK: Thapelo Morena

    This is a position that has stiff competition between Bafana's defenders Zuko Mdunyelwa and Thapelo Morena.

    Cardoso has been using both interchangeably, but Morena's experience gives him an upper hand. 

  • Aubrey Modiba, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage

    LEFT-BACK: Aubrey Modiba

    Another chance to play should be an opportunity for him to impress and show Hugo Broos that he is still a top defender.

    Modiba was overlooked for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.   

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  • Mamelodi Sundowns Mosa LebusaBackpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Mosa Lebusa

    Lebusa was named in the starting XI as part of changes made by Cardoso. 

    The experienced defender is again expected to keep his position ahead of Keanu Cupido, who was preferred in previous games.

  • Malibongwe Khoza, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Malibongwe Khoza

    He shone at CHAN, and Khoza has made his way back into Sundowns' starting line-ups, having played against Magesi, Chiefs, and Stellenbosch.

    Is Cardoso set to prefer him to Grant Kekana again? 

  • Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Teboho Mokoena

    Always a reliable midfield maestro, and his place is certainly guaranteed because of his ability to dictate matters in that zone.  

  • Marcelo Allende, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Marcelo Allende

    The Chilean has established a working partnership with Mokoena and has always been effective, even against high-pressing opponents.  

  • Jayden Adams, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Jayden Adams

    Another player who hopes to keep shining in order to gain Broos' trust again. 

    For Sundowns, he has been impressive, and what he needs to do now is to keep the consistency.  

  • Arthur Sales, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Arthur Sales

    One of Sundowns' stars who has shown growth and consistency since he arrived.

    With Lucas Ribeiro out, much of what the 2024/25 PSL Player of the Season did is expected to be delivered by the Brazilian until a replacement for last season's Golden Boot winner is found.  

  • Tashreeq Matthews, Mamelodi Sundowns, September 2025Backpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Tashreeq Matthews

    An effective player who has proved to be a menace to opponents, given his speed and creativity on the left flank. 

  • Iqraam Rayners, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpagepix

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Iqraam Rayners

    This is a position that is surely giving Cardoso a headache almost every matchday.

    Iqraam Rayners was a brace hero against Magesi, but the PSL all-time top scorer, Peter Shalulile, is also in good form and would want to be involved.

    Against Gallants, who will be Cardoso's secret card?   

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