Wounded Sundowns set for Ngwenya test as AmaZulu visit

Mamelodi Sundowns will be determined to redeem themselves when they host unbeaten AmaZulu FC for Wednesday’s Betway Premiership encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

The match kicks off at 7:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Masandawana suffered a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Golden Arrows in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Sunday; Junior Dion scored the decisive goal in the 38th minute, humbling the African champions.

Nevertheless, Sundowns are placed third in the Betway Premiership standings, level on seven points with the top two teams. A victory would see the Tshwane giants move clear at the summit if other results favour them, strengthening their early-season credentials.

AmaZulu, meanwhile, claimed a convincing 2-0 home win over Siwelele FC in their most recent outing on August 15, courtesy of goals from Mondli Mbanjwa and the in-form Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, maintaining their start in the league.

Usuthu also occupy the fourth spot in the Betway Premiership standings—level on seven points with the top three teams. The KZN side will view a positive result as a major statement that could propel them into sole leadership and underline their strong start to the campaign.

TEAM NEWS

Mamelodi Sundowns are likely to be without the injured duo of Antonio Van Wyk and Teboho Mokoena, while Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido and Arthur Sales are nursing long-term injuries. 

AmaZulu, on the other hand, will miss their first-choice goalkeeper Darren Johnson due to a long-term injury but are otherwise expected to field a strong side for the important meeting with 15-time PSL Premiership champions.

There are no suspensions for either side.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Mamelodi Sundowns Head Coach Miguel Cardoso

 “First of all, we have to think about the match with AmaZulu [on Wednesday] and then we are going to see," Cardoso said.

"It’s important to understand that this team (Golden Arrows) is resting for one week, we played three days ago [against Marumo Gallants], we are going to play again.

"They are going to rest again to play against us so it’s what it is let’s see how we arrive there and then think about. Now we need to think about AmaZulu."

AmaZulu FC Head Coach Arthur Zwane

“I’m disappointed with some players. They need to know that at this level, if you want to win things, you have to be disciplined," Zwane said.

"If players are going to go out there and play for themselves rather than within the structure and respecting our principles, then we cannot work together.

"I set standards, and those standards must be met whether they like it or not, because I am not happy with that second half.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cassius Mailula, Mamelodi Sundowns: The diminutive forward has scored in back-to-back Betway Premiership matches against Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants. Mailula will be determined to continue his scoring form and help Masandawana bounce back to winning ways.

Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, AmaZulu FC: The in-form marksman has scored five goals and provided one assist in four matches across all competitions. Ngwenya will be keen to add to his tally against the African champions and help Usuthu claim a positive result away from home.

HEAD-TO-HEAD 

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021-22 Sundowns 1-0 AmaZulu Zwane (pen)

2021-22 AmaZulu 1-0 Sundowns Mulenga

2022-23 Sundowns 1-0 AmaZulu Allende

2022-23 AmaZulu 2-2 Sundowns Mphalele, Dion; Zungu, Shalulile

2023-24 AmaZulu 0-1 Sundowns Ribeiro (pen)

2023-24 Sundowns 3-0 AmaZulu Ribeiro 3

2024-25 AmaZulu 0-1 Sundowns Rayners

2024-25 Sundowns 2-0 AmaZulu Shalulile, Sales

2025-26 Sundowns 2-0 AmaZulu Rayners, Matthews

2025-26 AmaZulu 0-1 Sundowns Allende

LEAGUE RECORD (since 1985)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 35 23 6 6 72 29

AmaZulu 36 3 9 24 19 58

Away

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 36 24 9 3 58 19

AmaZulu 35 6 6 23 29 72

Total

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 71 47 15 9 130 48

AmaZulu 71 9 15 47 48 130