Teboho Mokoena: Mamelodi Sundowns Midfielder Ruled Out of Second Half of Season League Opener

• Mamelodi Sundowns are set to be without one of their key players when they face Monnapule Saleng's former club
• The Brazilians will resume the second half of the 2025-26 Premier Soccer League season with a game against Orbit College
• The reports about the player missing the Orbit clash sparked mixed reactions from their fans on social media

Mamelodi Sundowns will be forced to cope without one of their key squad members when their Betway Premiership campaign resumes next week.

Masandawana are scheduled to take on Orbit College in a league clash set for Monday, 19 January 2026, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with the match set to kick off at 19:30.

The Pretoria-based side will play earlier than usual to make room for their CAF Champions League obligations, before turning their attention to a home encounter against Sudanese giants Al Hilal on Friday, 23 January 2026.

Sundowns to be without Mokoena vs Orbit

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Bafana Ba Style will be without Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena for the meeting against the North West-based outfit.

Mokoena is due to begin serving a two-game suspension after receiving his marching orders during December’s league fixture against Siwelele were they dropped crucial points.

As a result, the 28-year-old will also be unavailable for Sundowns’ subsequent league showdown with Sekhukhune United on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.

The former SuperSport United midfielder was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that represented South Africa at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, in which they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by the indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Here is what fans are saying on social media over Mokoena's suspension ahead of Sundowns' clash with Orbit College.

Mandla Majola said:

"Let Morembule rest. Cardoso must push Allende forward as an 8 and let Bathusi play as a 6 and protect the back 4. No to play 2 defensive midfielders. We must add an extra man forward, and Allende is versatile; he will be able to track back when the need arises."

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Malefane Salela shared:

"But honestly, one player injured at Downs? That player can be easily replaced with zero stress. The same things applies to Pirates 🏴‍☠️ All departments have about three players. Downs and Pirates are in good shape."

Dumi Fabian wrote:

"That player is for Bafana Bafana. He doesn't help Sundowns with anything 🤞🤞🤞"

Lesego M added:

"Teboho Mokoena. Sundowns have enough players in that department."

What Sundowns need against Orbit

Mamelodi Sundowns need to secure all three points when they face Orbit College when the second half of the Betway Premiership resumes.

The Brazilians are currently two points behind league leaders Orlando Pirates, and a win would take them above the Sea Robbers.

They are gunning towards their ninth successive league title this season, but Pirates are proving to be a rejuvenated side in the domestic competition this campaign.

Sundowns sign Bafana star from Pirates

Briefly News also reported that Mamelodi Sundowns have signed a Bafana Bafana forward from Orlando Pirates this January.

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Bafana Bafana star completes shock move from Sundowns to PSL rivals

The Betway Premiership defending champions added more firepower to their attacking line as they hope to challenge the Sea Robbers for the title in the second half of the season.

Source: Briefly News