Mamelodi Sundowns will have to assemble a makeshift team when they take on TS Galaxy in the last 16 of the newly launched Carling Black Label Knockout on Wednesday night.
Sundowns’ key players are away on national duty in Ivory Coast with Bafana Bafana for an international friendly tonight.
This means the likes of Ronwen Williams, Mothobi Mvala, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau and Grant Kekana will miss the match against The Rockets at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
Their absence could open the door for Lebohang Maboe, young sensation Siyabonga Mabena, Sifiso Ngobeni, Reyaad Pieterse, Terrence Mashego and Sphelele Mkhulisi to cement their places in the team.
The match was brought forward after Sundowns requested fixture rescheduling due to their participation in the Africa Football League this weekend.
The DStv Premiership champions will face Petro de Luanda in Angola on Saturday.
The Rockets are no pushovers
The Brazilians could find themselves in a tight spot against a rejuvenated Galaxy side that is doing well in the league.
Under coach Sead Ramovic, the Rockets are no pushovers, and will give the under-strength Downs team a run for their money.
The competition, which replaces the Telkom Knockout, will see 16 teams in the top flight taking part, with the seeded teams (teams that finished in the top eight last season) being pitted against unseeded teams (teams that finished in the bottom eight last season.
The two relegated sides are replaced by two sides that were promoted at the end of last season.
“It would have been difficult with any other opponent, so we take it,” said Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.
“TS Galaxy are a very good team, well-structured and are much stronger than last season. They did some incredible work during the transfer period.
“They have a very good coach with a very strong technical team. We are looking forward to the game. It’s a cup game and one we have to enjoy once again.”
