How Mamelodi Sundowns Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Pirates in MTN 8 Final

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

Ralph Staniforth 1 hour ago

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Mamelodi Sundowns meet Orlando Pirates in the MTN 8 Final on 10 October 2026.
Several Sundowns players are doubtful or out due to injuries, affecting the predicted starting XI.
Coach Cardoso may alter his lineup depending on the results of late fitness tests.

Mamelodi Sundowns Predicted XI Orlando Pirates

Sundowns have five injuries to navigate ahead of the MTN 8 Final vs Orlando Pirates (Getty Images).

Mamelodi Sundowns faces Orlando Pirates in the MTN 8 Final on 10 October 2026 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 PM SAST.

Below you can find the predicted starting XI from coach Miguel Cardoso for the match.

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams will play in goal and captain the side on the day. He will be crucial, especially if the game goes to penalties.

DEFENCE

At right back, Khuliso Mudau is absent with a long-term Achilles injury. Thabang Matuludi is most likely to take his place after doing well on debut vs Al Ahli. Thapelo Morena is another option.

At centre back, Khulumani Ndamane is a certain starter in the absence of Keanu Cupido due to injury. Grant Kekana needs a late fitness test after an injury before the FIFA break. Malibongwe Khoza is on standby to deputise.

Aubrey Modiba is doubtful at left back after straining his hamstring on international duty. Fawaaz Basadien is likely to take his place, with Divine Lunga as another option.

MIDFIELD

Marcelo Allende is a certain starter, but Teboho Mokoena is a major question mark. He injured his knee for South Africa and Guinea and has only a 50% chance of being fit.

Bathusi Aubaas was taken off early against Eritrea and is also a major doubt. Sphelele Mkhulise will start in both Mokoena and Aubaas fail fitness tests.

ATTACK

Nuno Santos scored two goals against Al Ahli and is likely to play in the number ten role, in preference to Cassius Mailula.

Tashreeq Matthews looks a certain starter on the left wing. Brayan Leon is set to play up front ahead of Iqraam Rayners.

The right winger position is more unclear. It looks likely to be one of Thapelo Morena - for his defensive nous - or the more attacking Siyanda Ndlovu.

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Ronwen Williams - Thabang Matuludi, Malibongwe Khoza, Khulumani Ndamane, Fawaaz Basadien - Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena - Siyanda Ndlovu, Nuno Santos, Tashreeq Matthews - Brayan Leon.

Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.

He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.