Mamelodi Sundowns will want to wake up and quickly forget about yesterday’s rather disappointing result after being held to a 1-1 stalemate by Chippa United in their Betway Premiership opener at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Arthur Sales got off the mark in the first half after feeding off an exceptional defence-splitting through pass from Tashreeq Matthews.
However, Sales’ goal was cancelled in the second half by one of Chippa’s many new youngsters, Khaya Mfecane, who scored an equaliser and ensured that they didn’t go down without a fight to secure a big point against a Sundowns side that completed a league double against them last season.
Sundowns were once again without their marquee player, Lucas Ribeiro, who is reportedly pushing for a move out of Chloorkop amid growing interest from abroad.
The reigning PSL Player of the Season is said to have attracted interest from clubs in the Middle East following his stellar performance at the recent Fifa Club World Cup.
Bafana Bafana international defender Khuliso Mudau is another player who is yet to feature in the match-day squad after allegedly being absent from the Sundowns camp since pre-season training. There was also a situation surrounding striker Peter Shalulile, but the Namibian has since returned, as he was on the bench yesterday.
- Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates started their 2025/26 on a negative note after they were beaten at home by Sekhukhune United last night. Sekhukhune caused the biggest upset with a 1-0 victory at a jam-packed Orlando Stadium. Ba Bina Noko’s goal was scored by Siphesihle Mkhize in the first half.
