Mamelodi Sundowns commence their pursuit of domestic cup glory against Marumo Gallants in a highly anticipated Carling Knockout Round of 16 clash.
The Brazilians host the match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville tonight, October 4, 2025. Gallants enter the tie hoping to earn the tag of “giant killers” against the sometimes-unstoppable reigning league champions.
Read: Hat-Trick Hero Fezile Gcaba Fires Durban City into Carling Knockout Quarterfinals
The Stakes for Sundowns
For Sundowns, this match is about more than just progression—it’s about reclaiming domestic cup prestige. Despite their iron grip on the Betway Premiership title, Masandawana haven’t secured a local knockout trophy since the Nedbank Cup in the 2021/22 season.
Since that victory, the club has appeared in a notable four cup finals, including the prestigious CAF Champions League final, only to finish as runners-up in every single one. This run of near-misses has created a palpable hunger for cup success among the faithful.
New coach Miguel Cardoso has experienced some early inconsistencies in performance, and with the high expectations of the Sundowns faithful, he knows an early exit from the Carling Knockout is simply not an option. He is under pressure to deliver a trophy and will likely field a strong starting eleven to dispatch Gallants swiftly.
Match Details & Viewing Information
Detail Information
Kick-off: 20:00 SAST
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
TV Channel: DStv channel 202
Digital Viewing: DStv Stream
Radio: Selected SABC radio stations will provide live commentary
Lucas Moripe Stadium: The Venue
The Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium, a multi-purpose facility with a 28,900 capacity, serves as the part-time home ground for Sundowns. Named after local soccer legend Lucas Moripe (and formerly known as Super Stadium), the venue carries significant history, having been used by the German national team as a training base during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Potent Attack
The Sundowns attack is firing on all cylinders, making them a threat from every angle:
New Portuguese signing Nuno Santos has made an instant impact, securing a Man of the Match award in just his second game against Richards Bay, where he was vital in the 4-1 triumph. His creativity and drive will be crucial.
Tashreeq Matthews: The winger has been a standout performer, netting a brace in the previous outing and is expected to make his fourth successive start.
Iqraam Rayners: The prolific striker is just one goal shy of reaching double figures across all competitions this season. He is currently tied with Sekhukhune United’s Bradley Grobler at six strikes in the race for the Betway Premiership Golden Boot and will be eager to improve upon his tally of 22 overall goals from last season.
Marumo Gallants’ Last Line of Defence
For Gallants, success hinges on the resilience of their veteran goalkeeper:
Washington Arubi: The 40-year-old Zimbabwean national team number one is the definition of aging like fine wine. Despite not keeping a clean sheet this season, Arubi has performed heroics on numerous occasions to keep scorelines respectable. His brilliance was recently highlighted by a penalty save against Glody Lilepo in a draw against Kaizer Chiefs. Expect him to be a major factor in trying to repel the inevitable waves of Sundowns attacks.
Betting Odds
Mamelodi Sundowns: 9/20
Draw: 33/10
Marumo Gallants: 6/1
Sundowns are, as is often the case in local fixtures, the overwhelming favorites. The Brazilians are coming off an impressive 4-1 league victory against the Natal Rich Boyz and look to use that momentum.
With the MTN8 trophy already residing at Mayfair (won by Orlando Pirates), Sundowns are under pressure to get their hands on a domestic cup after recent final heartbreaks.
The odds clearly reflect the confidence that the champions have the quality and depth to comfortably win this cup encounter.
Written by: Mike Gumede