Manqoba Mngqithi has a big decision to make between the sticks for the semi-final tie
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has a big decision to make during the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Stellenbosch with his first-choice goalkeepers unavailable.
Sundowns No.1 Ronwen Williams is still out with a shoulder injury that saw him miss pre-season while veteran Dennis Onyango, who featured in his absence in the quarter-final, is suspended.
Onyango saw red in the 1-0 extra time win over Polokwane City in the quarter-final before Jody February later came in to replace him.
That would suggest that February is a shoo-in for the decisive first leg against the Stellies but it is not guaranteed given Reyaad Pieterse and Sanele Tshabalala are also angling for an opportunity.
Jody February
Of the three fringe goalkeepers, February is the one who has played more in recent years at Sundowns.
He made just one league appearance last season but had managed eight in 2022-23, six in the league and two in the Nedbank Cup.
That was still the number of appearances the 28-year-old was handed the season before and having tasted some action this season, he is likely to be trusted between the posts.
Reyaad Pieterse
Former Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United man Reyaad Pieterse has also been waiting for opportunities at Sundowns for long and will hope that his time has arrived.
The 32-year-old has made one league appearance in each of the last two seasons with 2021-22 the best for him, when he turned out five times for Masandwana. He, however, looks likely to start on the bench.
Sanele Tshabalala
Former Moroka Swallows goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala is yet to feature for Sundowns and it is highly unlikely that he will get his debut in such a high stakes match.
The 26-year-old is yet to be tested and it looks like the wait will continue unless one of the aforementioned fails to make it for the match due to some unavoidable circumstances.
