Mamelodi Sundowns will kick off their new campaign with a tantalizing MTN8 quarter-final showdown against Richards Bay later today.
While the odds lean heavily toward the Tshwane giants, it would be premature to rule out Richards Bay entirely
Form Guide
Historically, this fixture has been a one-sided affair—of the eight previous meetings across all competitions, Richards Bay have failed to even snatch a draw from the dominant Brazilians. That track record clearly tips the scales in favour of Sundowns, making them strong favourites to advance.
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Coached by Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, the KwaZulu-Natal side heads into this clash with minimal pressure and virtually nothing to lose. Many observers have already written them off before kickoff, which could work to their advantage—playing as underdogs with a point to prove. The Natal Rich Boyz are expected to put up a spirited fight, and if Sundowns underestimate them, an upset is not off the table.
For newly-installed head coach Miguel Cardoso, this match marks more than just the start of a season—it’s the beginning of a journey to solidify his legacy at Chloorkop. Having guided Sundowns to Betway Premiership glory last term, Cardoso now faces the challenge of sustaining excellence across cup competitions.
This is his first full season with the club, presenting a golden opportunity to quiet critics and demonstrate his ability to lead the team from pre-season through to silverware.
That being said, the timing of this encounter could also favour Richards Bay. Being fresh out of pre-season, most squads haven’t yet reached peak rhythm or match fitness.
This transitional phase opens the door for surprises, as tactical sharpness and conditioning are still evolving. If Bay can harness early-season unpredictability and disrupt Sundowns’ flow, they may just carve out a moment of glory.
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 18:00 on Sunday, 03 August and will be carried live on the public broadcaster’s SABC 1 and radio stations for commentary. Furthermore, the match will be broadcast live on satellite TV giants SuperSport channel 202 and can be streamed on Showmax.
Lucas Moripe Stadium
The 28 900 seater stadium will host the clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay. The Pretoria based stadium was refurbished ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and served as a training venue for the German national football team during the global spectacle.
Named after former local soccer player Lucas Moripe, the stadium is the part-time home stadium of Mamelodi Sundowns, the powerhouse of the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
Mamelodi Sundowns 7/20 | Draw 38/10 | Richards Bay 8/1
I think a big win for Sundowns is on the cards – back the home side on the win and over 3.5 goals at 26/10.