Sundowns vs Gallants: Injury Concerns and League Dynamics
Mamelodi Sundowns step back into league action with a familiar storyline: they are winning, but they are leaking goals, and they are facing a Marumo Gallants side that refuses to go quietly, no matter the form book.
Sundowns juggle injuries and opportunity
Teboho Mokoena remains the big doubt. The midfield general has been nursing the injury he picked up in the MTN8 quarter-final win over Polokwane City and sat out the clash with Kaizer Chiefs. His inclusion would tilt the midfield battle heavily in Sundowns’ favour; his absence keeps the door slightly ajar for Gallants.
At the back, Keanu Cupido and Arthur Sales are still waiting for a first squad appearance of the season, with no clear indication of when they will be ready. It leaves Miguel Cardoso working with a settled, if slightly stretched, core.
There is better news out wide. New signing Siyanda Ndlovu has shaken off a minor niggle, came off the bench against Chiefs, and now pushes hard for a first start. He brings direct running and fresh energy to a team that, for all its quality, has looked a touch open in recent weeks.
Up front, Cassius Mailula is banging on the door. Twice in the last two outings he has come off the bench and delivered vital goals. Impact substitute? For now. But the way he is finishing, a first start of the season feels inevitable, and it may come here.
A possible Sundowns XI: Williams; Mudau, Johannes, Kekana, Basadien; Mokoena, Allende, Van Wyk; Ndlovu, Mkhulise; Mailula.
Sundowns remain unbeaten in the league this season, yet the numbers tell a small story of concern: five goals conceded in their last three competitive matches. Their recent run – D W W D L – is solid, but not as suffocatingly dominant as in previous campaigns.
Gallants stuck in a familiar fight
On the other side, life under new head coach Phuti Mohafe has started in a worrying rhythm. One point from two games, and that point came against newly promoted Kruger United. The spectre of last season’s relegation battle already hangs over them.
They at least have a goal to cling to now. Thapelo Dhludhlu’s late strike in the 3-1 defeat to Stellenbosch finally got them off the mark for the campaign. A consolation on the day, yes, but a small injection of belief for a team searching for a foothold.
Mohafe is still trying to mould a side that can stay in games longer and turn draws into wins. For now, Gallants’ league form reads: L D D D D. Winless, but hard to completely write off.
Cardoso certainly isn’t. The Sundowns coach expects a real contest.
“First of all, Marumo had and has players that are very interesting,” he said. “Second, it’s true, the coach in the past made life difficult for Sundowns.”
He has reason to be wary. Mohafe’s teams have frustrated Sundowns before, and Gallants carry enough individual quality to hurt opponents if given space.
A likely Gallants XI: Mlambo; Ntiya-Ntiya, Sikakane, Rikhotso, Lukhele; Luthuli, Kunene, Mabuza; Dhludhlu, Ndlondlo, Sihlali.
History on Sundowns’ side, scars on Gallants’ minds
The league head-to-head is brutally one-sided. Sundowns have never lost to Gallants in the PSL, winning 10 times and drawing five. The most recent league meeting, on 17 March 2026, ended 3-1 to Sundowns.
Yet Gallants have one precious memory to draw from. On 5 October 2025, in the Carling Knockout Cup, they held Sundowns to a 0-0 draw and then edged them 7-6 on penalties after extra time. On paper, it was an upset. In their dressing room, it is proof that the African champions can be dragged into a street fight and beaten.
That is the template again. Gallants will not be chasing a spectacle here. A draw against the continental kings would be a result they would gladly bank, especially this early in the season.
Sundowns, though, will expect more. They come into this fixture with attacking options humming, new signings eager to stake their claim, and a record against Gallants that demands three points.
The only question is whether their recent habit of conceding will give Gallants just enough hope to turn a routine script into another awkward chapter.
