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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Sundowns stars shine at Afcon</li><li>Players return to club with injuries</li><li>Mokwena faces squad uncertainty ahead of Bucs clash</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Bafana's Afcon stars uncertain as Mamelodi Sundowns face potential injury crisis ahead of PSL clash with Orlando Pirates

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Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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The Brazilians boasted the largest contingent of players at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations tournament among all Premier Soccer League clubs, including goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Terrence Mashego, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Thapelo Maseko, Teboho Mokoena, and Thapelo Morena.&nbsp;However, this has resulted in a setback as the players' contributions to Bafana Bafana have led to various injuries, fatigue and various other issues ahead of their crucial league match against <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/match/mamelodi-sundowns-fc-vs-orlando-pirates/bsmxpyn5uzl786307uv08lhxw" target="_blank">Orlando Pirates scheduled for Saturday, February 17th</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

“We have some concerns with (Mothobi) Mvala, we have some concerns with (Thapelo) Maseko, we have some concerns with Mshishi (Themba Zwane), we have some concerns with Teboho (Mokoena) and (Khuliso) Mudau with the ankle,” Mokwena revealed in the team’s pre-match press conference.“So there are some concerns there and they’ve got to start now the rehabilitation phase but also a re-generation phase because you have to flush out the stress and the pressures of a tournament of that magnitude.&nbsp;“And so, psychologically, there needs to be some work done there and refreshing of the mind so that they’re ready to be competitive again. And we’ve also got concerns with Ronza (Ronwen Williams) with the shoulder,” he concluded.

WHAT MOKWENA SAID?

The Brazilians currently lead the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/psl/table/yv73ms6v1995b5wny16jcfi3" target="_blank">log standings</a> with 38 points from 14 matches, and are currently on course for an 'invincibles' undefeated season.&nbsp;Mokwena's squad holds a nine-point advantage over their nearest rivals, Cape Town City and SuperSport United, who both sit in second and third place with 29 points each.&nbsp;As has been the case for the past six seasons, Sundowns have made a strong start, which they consistently turn into championship winning seasons. This season appears no different, with the Brazilians poised to defend their title thanks to the depth of talent in their squad, capable of rising to any challenge.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

As Sundowns grapple with their injury issues, they must swiftly redirect their attention to league action against the Buccaneers.&nbsp;Pirates are eager to rebound from their two consecutive defeats at the end of 2023 and will present a significant challenge for the Brazilians, despite the Pretoria outfit having poached the Buccaneer's best player, Thembinkosi Lorch, in the January window.&nbsp;Sundowns are also in the rare position of having dropped points in their last two league outings after a pair of 0-0 draws against Polokwane and Cape Town City.

WHAT NEXT FOR SUNDOWNS?

Bafana's Afcon stars uncertain as Mamelodi Sundowns face potential injury crisis ahead of PSL clash with Orlando Pirates | Goal.com

Mamelodi Sundowns are in a time-sensitive situation as a number of Bafana Bafana players are contending with injuries and fatigue.

Bafana&apos;s Afcon stars uncertain as Mamelodi Sundowns face potential injury crisis ahead of PSL clash with Orlando Pirates

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