Mamelodi Sundowns Gear Up for a Busy Week, May Be Without Key Players Heading Into Champions League Game

• Mamelodi Sundowns have 2 important games this week, but may be without key players for both matches
• Sundowns compete in the Premier Soccer League and the Confederation of African Football Champions League during this week
• 6 players including the captain, Denis Onyango, are missing from the team due to injuries sustained

Mamelodi Sundowns head into the new week still on a high after beating Richards Bay FC in the Nedbank Cup.

The Brazilians beat the GladAfrica Championship side 4-0 to book their place in the next round of the tournament and not turn their attention to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.

According to Soccer Laduma though, Sundowns are unsure whether they will have six key players available for either clash.

Captain Denis Onyango, Grant Kekana, Mosa Lebusa, Sphelele Mkhulise, Neo Maema and Ricardo Goss were all unavailable for the Nedbank Cup clash due to injuries.

Nedbank Cup marks the return of football for impatient South Africans, though stadiums remain closed for now

Football

Sundowns have specified either what the extent of the injuries is or when the players are likely to return.

Sundowns take on Chippa United in the PSL this evening, looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. Sundowns are currently 14 points clear of second-place Orlando Pirates.

On Friday, the Brazilians turn their attention to the CAF Champions League, The South African reported. Sundowns play Sudan’s Al Hilal on Friday at Loftus Versveld. The Sudanese side is already in the country, preparing for the clash.

Sundowns are currently in with a chance to win three different titles this season and will be looking to have all their players available to win those trophies.

If Sundowns do make it to every final of each competition they’re in, they will play 24 games in just over three months.

Mamelodi Sundowns down Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup, score 4 to book their place in the next round

Ethiopian striker Abubeker Nassir on trial at Mamelodi Sundowns, Pretoria club in pole position to sign him

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It’s no surprise that Mamelodi Sundowns beat Richards Bay in their Nedbank Cup clash but it was a surprise who scored. Surprise Ralani marked his Sundowns debut with a goal as the Brazilians cruised to a 4-0 win over their GladAfrica Championship opponents.

Sports Brief monitored the round of 32 encounter which saw Richards Bay start much the better side. The Rich Boys had more possession of the ball in the first half as Sundowns didn’t seem to settle at all.

Richards Bay couldn’t capitalize on their few counter-attacks and was punished for it in the 25th minute when Surprise Ralani scored. Richards Bay keeper Malcolm Jacobs punched away a cross straight into the path of Ralani who put the ball away.