Mamelodi Sundowns will have a chance to end the year at the top of the Betway Premiership standings when they visit Richards Bay on Saturday afternoon at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Betway Premiership
Teams: Richards Bay v Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 28 December 2024
Venue: Mpumalanga Stadium
Time: 15h30
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso maintained his 100 percent winning record since taking over from Manqoba Mngqithi, after his ten men edged AmaZulu 1-0 thanks to a last-minute goal by Iqraam Rayners on Christmas Eve.
The Brazilians remained three points clear of second-placed and rivals Orlando Pirates at the top of the standings and will be guaranteed to finish the year at the top if they avoid defeat.
Masandawana will be without goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who has been joined by Khuliso Mudau in the suspension list, after a red-card and fourth yellow card respectively in the win over Usuthu.
Richards Bay, on the other hand, ended their five-game losing streak after a narrow 1-0 win over Golden Arrows courtesy of a late goal by Lindokuhle Zikhali two weeks ago.
The Natal Rich Boyz are languishing second-from-bottom with eight points from 11 games.
Here's how they line up:
Richards Bay: 16. Magoola, 22. Mabuya, 5. Allan, 25. Mcineka, 3. Ndaba, 6. Mthethwa, 17. Gumede, 36. Zikhali, 20. Mthembu, 45. Ntsundwana, 9. Mbuthuma.
Subs: 1. Otieno, 72. Mabua, 27. Ntlonelo, 38. Dlamini, 18. Dube, 11. Kutumela, 35. Ndelu, 26. Radebe, 23. Figareido.
Mamelodi Sundowns: 1. Onyango, 14. Mashego, 15. Aubaas, 20. Kekana, 6. Modiba, 42. Khoza, 4. Mokoena, 10. Ribeiro, 19. Kodisang, 27. Morena, 9. Sales
Subs: 36. February, 23. De Reuck, 29. Lunga, 39. Maboe, 12. Maema, 17. Matthews, 43. Lethakhu, 13. Rayners, 38. Shalulile
