Sundowns aim to make Bay’s MTN8 stay a short one

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to ensure that Richards Bay’s stay in the MTN8 is a short one, as the teams meet in the weekend’s last quarterfinal, set for the Lucas Moripe Stadium on the evening of 3 August 2025.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.

MATCH BACKGROUND

Sundowns will go in search of a fifth MTN8 title (their previous triumphs were in 1988, 1990, 2007 and 2021) after continuing their dominance of the Betway Premiership last season. Under coach Miguel Cardoso, the Brazilians won an eighth successive league title, dropping points in just four of their 28 matches through the course of the Premiership season.

Sundowns went on to make a strong impression at the FIFA Club World Cup in June, defeating Ulsan HD 1-0, losing a 4-3 thriller to German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, and holding Brazilian giants Fluminense 0-0 – though they were unable to progress into the knockout rounds.

With a new domestic season ahead of them, the Brazilians are once again aiming to assert their dominance and will target the MTN8 as a key early goal – especially as it is a trophy which has mostly eluded them during their current era of success.

As for Richards Bay, they will make their MTN8 debut in this match following a surprise eighth-place finish in the Betway Premiership last season. Under co-coaches Papi Zothwane and Ronnie Gabriel, the Natal Rich Boyz did more than just consolidate their place in the top-flight league – they secured a top-eight finish at the expense of the MTN8’s most successful club, Kaizer Chiefs (15 titles).

Bay have been highly active in the transfer window, bringing in the likes of Gabadinho Mhango and Lindokuhle Mtshali, as they look to capitalise on their newfound status as one of the Premiership’s top eight teams – though they will need to be at their very best if they are to prevent a powerful Sundowns team from advancing into the semifinals.

WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise on the club’s ambitions for the season:

“As a team, Mamelodi Sundowns’ ambitions will always remain the same. Every season, we strive to compete in every competition and win the available trophies. We don’t just want to compete but dominate everything and every team.

"So, those are the goals we have set for ourselves as Sundowns; they never change.”

Richards Bay chairman Sifiso Biyela on allegations of interference with the team’s coaches:

"The only thing we need is results. There’s no power struggle at our club just because the chairman wants to exert his authority. It doesn’t work that way. You never hear about ‘interference’ when a coach is winning matches. These things only come up when there’s a losing streak. Then suddenly there’s interference."

KEY PLAYERS

Arthur Sales, Mamelodi Sundowns

The Brazilian attacker scored in both of Sundowns’ league matches against Richards Bay last season and will hope to enjoy similar success in this cup meeting. Sales has declared an intention to raise his game in his second season with the Brazilians, and the MTN8 offers him a chance to make a statement early in 2025-26.

Tshepo Mabua, Richards Bay

Richards Bay have brought in a bevy of new signings ahead of the 2025-26 season, but stalwart and club captain Tshepo Mabua remains a key man – as evidenced by his goal to win the KZN Premier’s Cup final against Durban City last weekend. The reliable defender will have his hands full against Sundowns’ prolific attack, but no doubt looks forward to the challenge.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Bay have met in two previous cup matches – both in the Nedbank Cup – with the Tshwane side claiming 4-0 and 3-2 wins.

In fact, the Brazilians boast a perfect record against the Natal Rich Boyz, with eight wins from as many matches across all competitions – including 2-0 (away) and 3-0 (home) victories in the teams’ Betway Premiership meetings in 2024-25.

Head-to-Head (since 2020/21)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2021/22 Nedbank, last 32 Bay 0-4 Sundowns Ralani, De Reuck, Safranko, Shalulile

2022/23 Nedbank, last 32 Sundowns 3-2 Bay Shalulile 2, Lebusa; Zungu, Makateng

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2022/23 Bay 0-2 Sundowns Mailula, Domingo

2022/23 Sundowns 1-0 Bay Morena

2023/24 Bay 0-1 Sundowns Mendieta

2023/24 Sundowns 1-0 Bay Mendieta

2024/25 Bay 0-2 Sundowns Sales, Ribeiro