With Mamelodi Sundowns expected to be without their Bafana Bafana stars for the resumption of the DSTV Premiership next week, head coach Rulani Mokwena still has a lot of options as Soccer Laduma looks at how they could line-up.
Sundowns are scheduled to play Golden Arrows on Valentine's Day, a few days after the Africa Cup of Nations comes to an end. Bafana, who have 10 Sundowns players in the squad, are either going to play in the third-place playoff or the final this weekend.
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The reigning champions have a nine point lead at the top of the standings going into the second half of the season and while they are without their 10 stars for the resumption of domestic football, they could still have enough within the team to get the job done.
The goalkeeping department features Reyaad Pieterse, who could start ahead of veteran shot-stopper Denis Onyango, as first choice Ronwen Williams is in Ivory Coast with Bafana. Fourth choice goalkeeper Jody February is still part of the team, but is unlikely to get opportunities in the second half of the season.
Both Thapelo Morena and Khuliso Mudau, the club's options at right back, are away on international duty, meaning new signing Zuko Mdunyelwa could get an opportunity to prove himself.
Sundowns may have central defenders Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala away with Bafana, but there are many options for Mokwena. Rushine De Reuck, Mosa Lebusa and Rivaldo Coetzee give the coach options in central defence, as well as Abdelmoumain Boutouil, though he is likely to feature at left full back.
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Reigning footballer of the season Teboho Mokoena is shining for Bafana at AFCON, but Sundowns have options in the middle of the park. Bathusi Aubaas has recovered from injury and could get game time, while Bongani Zungu, Sipho Mbule, Lebohang Maboe, Sphelele Mkhulise and Coetzee are all options in his position.
Peter Shalulile got knocked out of AFCON with Namibia in the last 16 and is expected to be back for Sundowns. He is likely to start upfront for Sundowns.
New signings Tashreeq Matthews, Matias Esquivel and Thembinkosi Lorch are players who are likely to get their debuts next week. So, even with so many players out, Sundowns can still field a good line-up.
Possible line-up: Pieterse, Mdunyelwa, De Reuck, Lebusa, Boutouil, Coetzee, Allende, Mbule, Maema, Ribeiro Costa, Shalulile
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