No Mokoena, No Problem? Sundowns Face Orbit Test at Home
Date: Monday, 19 January 2026
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Kick-off:
Competition: Betway Premiership – Matchday 14
Match preview
Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Orbit College FC to Loftus Versfeld in a crucial Betway Premiership encounter as the title race and relegation battle continue to intensify.
Sundowns come into this fixture sitting second on the table with 26 points from 13 matches, just two points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates. Orbit College, meanwhile, are under pressure in 13th place with 13 points, hovering dangerously close to the drop zone and in desperate need of results.
Team news & key absences
Sundowns will be without midfield lynchpin Teboho Mokoena, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the 1–1 draw against Siwelele FC on 3 December 2025. The timing is unfortunate, as Mokoena has just returned from international duty after playing every minute of Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2025 campaign in Morocco.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso will be forced to reshuffle his midfield but still boasts considerable depth, especially at home where Sundowns traditionally dominate possession and territory.
Orbit College arrive with confidence from recent competitive performances, but their away form against top sides remains a concern, particularly in defending transitions and set pieces.
Tactical outlook
Sundowns are expected to control the ball, press high, and attack down the flanks, using their full-backs aggressively.
Orbit College are likely to sit deep, absorb pressure, and look to counter, but sustained defending at Loftus Versfeld is a tall order.
Even without Mokoena, Sundowns’ structure, squad quality, and home advantage heavily tilt the balance in their favour.
Suspended players – Betway Premiership
Mamelodi Sundowns: Teboho Mokoena
Marumo Gallants: Jaisen Clifford, Sekela Sithole, Washing Arubi
Siwelele FC: Tebogo Potsane
Stellenbosch FC: Thabo Moloisane, Muzomuhle Khanyi
TS Galaxy: Nhlanhla Mgaga
Final verdict
Even with the absence of Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns should have too much quality, control, and experience for Orbit College, especially at Loftus Versfeld. Anything other than a home win would be a major surprise as Masandawana look to keep pace with Orlando Pirates in the title race.