Sundowns look to set the bar high

Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to set the bar as high as possible when they finish off their Betway Premiership campaign with a match away to TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night. Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT. Watch the action live on SuperSport.

FORM

With a two-legged final of the CAF Champions League against Morocco’s ASFAR looming large, Sundowns will play their last match of the 2025-26 Betway Premiership season this midweek, as they look to surge six points clear of Orlando Pirates at the top of the log – and hope that the Buccaneers are unable to win their final two matches in hand.

Sundowns looked to boost their goal difference with an ultra-attacking display against Siwelele FC this past weekend.

Although they racked up seven goals, conceding four at the other end somewhat stymied their attempts – and Pirates still hold a significant advantage in that regard (+44 to Sundowns’ +37).

Nonetheless, Sundowns’ 7-4 win in Bloemfontein extended their unbeaten run in the Premiership to 20 matches – a run certainly worthy of champions should they manage to clinch a record-extending ninth successive title.

The Brazilians will be without Keanu Cupido due to injury, as well as Jayden Adams and Khuliso Mudau due to suspension, while there are doubts over Thapelo Morena.

As for Galaxy, a 1-1 draw at home to Chippa United this past weekend saw their winless league run stretched to 13 matches.

The Rockets have not won a league encounter since overcoming Marumo Gallants back in January.

Galaxy are 12th on the log with 28 points from as many matches – and perhaps glancing nervously over their shoulders, as the relegation playoff spot (currently occupied by Gallants) is five points behind them.

Being overtaken by Bahlabane ba Ntwa is unlikely but not impossible.

WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso:

“My worries come mostly from whatever that can happen in the football game in South Africa because obviously it's unpredictable. I never know when I am going to lose players to injury. There's a lot of things that can happen that we cannot control and that makes me really afraid. I think we are creating miracles with managing this team to where we are in a season that has so many stories to tell.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

TS Galaxy – Victor Letsoalo

After netting against Chippa United this past weekend, Letsoalo will back himself to do well against Sundowns – especially if the champions opt for an ultra-attacking approach such as the one they took against Siwelele which left their defence exposed.

Mamelodi Sundowns – Brayan Leon

After scoring a hat-trick against Siwelele this past weekend, Leon will want to pick up where he left off when Sundowns head to Nelspruit. The Colombian will be hoping to keep sharp ahead of the CAF Champions League final.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

In head-to-head stats, Galaxy and Sundowns have met in 11 league matches since 2020/21, with the Brazilians claiming eight wins compared to two for the Rockets.

Sundowns defeated Galaxy 1-0 when the teams last met in the league in November 2025, but the Rockets were 2-0 victors in the teams’ most recent clash, a Nedbank Cup tie in February.

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2020/21 Galaxy 0-1 Sundowns Shalulile

2021/22 Sundowns 3-0 Galaxy Lebusa, Shalulile, Kutumela

2021/22 Galaxy 0-3 Sundowns Mudau, Domingo, Shalulile

2022/23 Sundowns 0-1 Galaxy Hlongwane

2022/23 Galaxy 1-2 Sundowns Traore (pen); De Reuck, Shalulile

2023/24 Sundowns 3-0 Galaxy Shalulile 2, Lorch

2023/24 Galaxy 1-1 Sundowns Dithejane; Shalulile

2024/25 Galaxy 1-0 Sundowns Sebelebele

2024/25 Sundowns 4-1 Galaxy Shalulile, Rayners 2, Adams; Mahlangu

2025/26 Sundowns 1-0 Galaxy Sales