2026/27 Betway Premiership
Matchday 1
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Wednesday 19 August, 19:30
Mamelodi Sundowns will chase victory in a catch-up Betway Premiership Matchday 1 fixture, as they host Marumo Gallants at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on the evening of Wednesday 19 August. Kick-off at 19:30 CAT.
Sundowns come into the match having played a 1-1 draw in their heavyweight bout away to Kaizer Chiefs this past weekend – with Cassius Mailula rising off the bench to head the equaliser for the Brazilians at the FNB Stadium.
Sundowns have not fully hit their stride – especially in the wake of the tragic passing of Jayden Adams and injury-enforced absences for the likes of Nuno Santos, Teboho Mokoena and Keanu Cupido – but they have begun to tweak their tactics under coach Miguel Cardoso, becoming more unpredictable and dangerous as a result.
“Sometimes outside, what I see now is that the team became much more dynamic in the way the team builds; it seems the contacts to control our game are more difficult,” explained Cardoso. "So, there are more challenges for the opponents because they don't really know what is gonna happen, and that is obviously a key that a coach can have.”
Gallants, meanwhile, have endured a challenging opening to the 2026/27 season. They kicked off their league campaign last midweek with a 0-0 draw at home to rookies Kruger United, and followed that up with a 3-1 defeat away to Stellenbosch FC on Friday evening.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are also finding their identity and rhythm under new coach Phuti Mohafe, but they cannot afford a long adaptation period, as the pressure of being in the bottom third of the log standings builds quickly – even at this early stage of the campaign.
In head-to-head terms, Sundowns boast an unbeaten record against Gallants, with six wins and two draws from the teams’ eight league meetings since 2021/22. The Brazilians took four points off Bahlabane ba Ntwa last season, with a 1-1 draw in Limpopo in September 2025 and a 3-1 home win in March 2026.
Head-to-head (since 2021/22)
League matches played 8
Sundowns wins 6
Gallants wins 0
Draws 2
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