Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has given a thumbs up to a clean health of bill, with the exception of Kegan Johannes & Ronwen Williams, ahead of Wednesday’s MTN8 semifinal first-leg tie against Stellenbosch FC.
Last season’s losing finalists are looking to end a two-year drought since last lifting the Wafa Wafa Cup in 2021/22, securing a 3-2 win over Cape Town City on penalties following a 1-1 draw on that occassion.
Masandawana will be up against another Western Cape outfit at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, and Mngqithi admits that he’ll be spoilt for choice as the new signings have gelled well with their teammates at their new home.
“Almost all the new signings have shown good mentality,” Mngqithi said in an MTN8 presser on Monday.
“And they’ve been integrated well into the group. They are all looking very good.
“Others who are pending, maybe registrations, but the truth is, almost everyone we have now has got a chance to play on Wednesday.
“We’re hopeful that they will be able to help us in one way or the other, whether as starters or as substitutes, but we are looking very good in that space,” he added.
Mngqithi, however, affirmed that Johannes will miss the tie since arriving from Tshwane rivals SuperSport United in the off-season.
“With regard to Kegan, he’s still out for this match because he came just after he had done an operation with SuperSport,” he said.
“But he’s very close. Beginning to train on the pitch.
“We’re hoping that probably in the next few weeks he will start competitive training.
“Ronwen [Williams] is also very close. He’s now off the physios, and it’s just a matter of time before he comes for full training.
“We’re hoping that probably, if God is with us, in the second round of the semifinal. Maybe he might be there,” he further added.
Sundowns take on Stellies with the tie scheduled to kick-off at 19:00.
