Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is making his debut in the Carling Knockout against Marumo Gallants at Lucas Moripe Stadium at 20:00.
The Portuguese tactician has made just one change after last weekend’s bullish 4-1 win over Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership.
Keanu Cupido is back from injury to replace Mosa Lebusa in the heart of central defence. The club’s newest signing, Miguel Reisinho is making his first appearance on the bench.
Following a serious injury to Katekani Mhlongo, Gallants have replaced him with the former Sundowns youth star Doudy James.
STARTING XIs
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Cupido, Khoza, Modiba, Aubaas, Allende, Santos, Sales, Matthews, Rayners.
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Morena, Basadien, Mokoena, Mkhulise, Reisinho, Mokoena, Shalulile.
Gallants: Arubi, Doudy, Sikhosana, Eroine, Chabatsane, Nhlapo, Sithole, Ndlondlo, Bance, Mabuza, Motloung.
Subs: Mlambo, Manaka, Msendami, Clifford, Luthuli, Mphambaniso, Sithole, Ncube.
Also read: Sundowns coach Cardoso: Trip to Nigeria will take two days
FORM GUIDE ON MAMELODI SUNDOWNS VS MARUMO GALLANTS
Kabo Yellow and Bahlabane Ba Ntwa have already met this season. Coach Cardoso’s side were held to a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein, Rayners again on target before Keanu Cupido’s own goal spoiled the party. And then there’s last season, Sundowns knocked Gallants out of this very competition in the semifinals, winning 2-0 thanks to Neo Maema and Lucas Ribeiro.
Meanwhile, Sundowns are currently leading the Betway Premiership with 21 points from 10 games, 17 goals scored and just five conceded. Gallants sit in 11th with eight goals in nine games, two wins, four draws and three defeats.