As Pirates and Sundowns prepare for Wednesday’s Betway Premiership battle, we examine five players who may prove decisive.
Relebohile Mofokeng
Bafana Bafana international Mofokeng has been in impressive form since the start of 2026, providing two assist and scored a goal in the last three league games to help AmaBhakaniya reclaim top spot.
The ‘President yama2k’ has faced Sundowns on seven previous occasions in all competitions, winning four matches, drawing once and losing twice while scoring three goals against the defending league champions.
He did not feature in the first round 1-1 draw against Masandawana due to injury and could be the deciding factor in the clash in his new number ten role.
Brayan Leon
The Colombian forward has adapted quickly with the Tshwane giants, scoring four goals in his six appearances since joining Masandawana in January.
Leon has scored in both Betway Premiership matches he has featured in and his movements in the final third will be tricky to deal with for the Bucs defence.
The 25-year-old is proving to be as influential as former Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro but will have to prove his worth in his first clash against the Buccaneers.
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Ronwen Williams
Masandawana will be happy to have Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams back in goal ahead of the crunch clash, with the team having struggled to get positive results during his recent absence.
Williams return also allows Sundowns to be able to play from the back due to his excellent passing range which can eliminate a Pirates press.
Oswin Appollis
The diminutive winger has managed to produce good performances for club and country in big matches and will need to be at his best when he comes up against Bafana teammate Khuliso Mudau on Wednesday.
Appollis has yet to score in 2026 and will be looking to break his dry spell against Sundowns, a team which he has never scored or provided an assist against even during his time at Polokwane City.
Teboho Mokoena
Masandawana talisman Mokoena will be a crucial cog in midfield duels against a talented Orlando Pirates midfield that includes fellow in-form Bafana star Thalente Mbatha.
Mokoena’s ability to score from range and take set-pieces could also be a key factor in what is expected to be a tight match.
The 29-year-old has played the third most minutes in the team this season behind Marcelo Allende and Ronwen Williams and will be an important part of the line-up which will be without suspended midfielder Bathusi Aubaas.
