Kaizer Chiefs host African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Sunday as both sides contend with significant injury concerns. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00, with the match available on SABC 1 and SuperSport 202.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz is expected to make changes to his side after suggesting that several injured players are unlikely to recover in time for the meeting.
Flavio Silva, Bradley Cross, Ethan Chislett, Khanyisa Mayo and Paseka Mako are all doubts for Amakhosi. Da Cruz may also choose to rest some regular starters, with Kaizer Chiefs having played twice in the space of six days.
Sundowns have their own major concern in midfield. Teboho Mokoena is expected to be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a serious tackle from Surprise Manthosi during the MTN8 match against Polokwane City.
The defending champions still have considerable strength available, however, and began their league campaign with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against TS Galaxy.
Expected teams
Brandon Petersen is expected to retain his place in goal for Kaizer Chiefs, with Thabiso Monyane, Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika and Reeve Frosler likely to form the back four.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Lebohang Maboe are tipped to operate in central midfield. The hosts could look to exploit Sundowns on the counter-attack, with the pace of Mduduzi Shabalala, Asanele Velebayi and Dillan Solomons supporting striker Etiosa Ighodaro.
Kaizer Chiefs’ expected starting line-up is: Petersen, Monyane, Miguel, Kwinika, Frosler, Mthethwa, Maboe, Shabalala, Velebayi, Solomons and Ighodaro.
Ronwen Williams is expected to start in goal for Mamelodi Sundowns. Khuliso Mudau, Kegan Johannes, Grant Kekana and Fawaaz Basadien could make up the defence.
Gomolemo Kekana, Marcelo Allende and Nuno Santos are expected to feature in midfield, while Tashreeq Matthews, Antonio van Wyk and Brayan Leon could lead the attack.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ expected starting line-up is: Williams, Mudau, Johannes, Grant Kekana, Basadien, Gomolemo Kekana, Allende, Santos, Matthews, van Wyk and Leon.
Recent league meetings between the two South African giants have been closely contested, with neither side able to claim a victory in the first two encounters of the 2025/26 campaign.
The opening league meeting ended 0-0 at FNB Stadium on 27 August 2025. Kaizer Chiefs produced a disciplined defensive performance to prevent Mamelodi Sundowns from breaking through.
The return fixture at Loftus Versfeld Stadium also finished level. Flavio Silva put Kaizer Chiefs ahead before Brayan Leon equalised to secure a 1-1 draw for Sundowns.
The last fixture between the clubs to produce a winner came in the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup semi-final.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa gave Mamelodi Sundowns the lead at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, but Wandile Duba brought Kaizer Chiefs level in the 57th minute. Ashley Du Preez then completed the comeback as Amakhosi secured a 2-1 victory.
That result sent Kaizer Chiefs through to the Nedbank Cup final.
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