Mamelodi Sundowns host Marumo Gallants in Tuesday’s Carling Knockout Last-16 clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, targeting a domestic cup double following their MTN8 triumph.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Masandawana enter this fixture following a 1-1 draw against Angolan side Wiliete SC—which saw them exit the CAF Champions League on away goals—despite currently riding an 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Seeking redemption after that continental setback, Sundowns will be eager to assert their dominance on home soil and begin a strong push for the Carling Knockout trophy to keep their double-cup ambitions alive.
Gallants, meanwhile, arrive carrying poor recent form, sitting at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table after a 2-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United and remain winless this season, with their last competitive win dating back to March 2026.
Looking to turn their difficult start around, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa will draw inspiration from last year's historic upset over Sundowns in the Carling Knockout as they aim for another memorable cup run.
TEAM NEWS
Mamelodi Sundowns face a heavily depleted squad with Khuliso Mudau (Achilles), Teboho Mokoena (ligament), Grant Kekana, Keanu Cupido, and Kegan Johannes all ruled out due to injury. However, Bathusi Aubaas, Thabang Matuludi and Malibongwe Khoza could be tasked with stepping up to fill the void across the defensive unit and central midfield.
Marumo Gallants, on the other hand, welcome back Edgar Manaka to bolster the squad after serving his two-match suspension. The veteran midfielder could start alongside Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo in midfield under coach Ronnie Kanalelo, while former Sundowns winger Katlego Otladisa is likely to feature.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Mamelodi Sundowns Head Coach Miguel Cardoso:
"We know Marumo by the history and last year's competition. This [Carling Knockout] is a prestigious tournament that every team would want to win, because of the history of the Carling brand and the appeal of the trophy," Cardoso said.
"We would like to win the tournament, and we will do it. We will find the players to obviously be always with a good squad, a strong squad. The ones that will put the shirt on will have to bear the badge of Mamelodi Sundowns."
Marumo Gallants Head Coach Ronnie Kanalelo:
"So basically, what we are saying is that Sundowns are beatable, and as long as they are beatable – it has happened before in the past in the said competition," Kanalelo said.
"That’s what we are looking at. We are not going into this game handing it over on a silver platter – we are going to work for it, and they are also going to work for it. That’s the only thing I know."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tashreeq Matthews, Mamelodi Sundowns: The versatile attacker has been in formidable touch, racking up four goals and four assists across all competitions this season. Dynamic off the flank and decisive in the final third, his sharp movement and goal threat will be key to unlocking Gallants' low block.
Thabiso Kutumela, Marumo Gallants: Armed with one assist so far this term, the veteran forward brings valuable big-game experience to Bahlabane Ba Ntwa's attack. Going up against his former employers, Kutumela's savvy positioning and motivation to haunt Sundowns could prove vital if Gallants are to pull off an upset.