Teboho Mokoena: Bafana Bafana Star Ruled Out of Mamelodi Sundowns Clash Against Sekhukhune United

• Mamelodi Sundowns are heading into their must-win game against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership with a major setback
• The Premier Soccer League giants will be without one of their key players when they lock horns with Babina Noko on Tuesday evening
• The Brazilians are level on points with Orlando Pirates in the league standings, and need a win against the Limpopo-based club

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Mamelodi Sundowns will be without a key figure for their midweek Betway Premiership assignment again, as influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena serves a suspension.

Masandawana travel to Babina Noko on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The South African international, affectionately known as “Tebza,” was sent off after receiving a second caution during Sundowns’ league encounter with Siwelele FC on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. His dismissal came late in the match, in the 81st minute, with the contest ultimately finishing level at 1–1.

At 29 years of age, the Bafana Bafana international is the sole suspended player across the league’s 16 clubs for this round of fixtures. However, Sundowns will also need to tread carefully, with Aubrey Modiba, Arthur Sales and Keanu Cupido all one booking away from a ban, each currently on three yellow cards.

Likely midfield adjustment for Sundowns vs Sekhukhune

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Sundowns have already experimented with changes in midfield, most notably during last week’s 2–0 victory over Orbit College in Tshwane.

With both Mokoena and Marcelo Allende rested, head coach Miguel Cardoso deployed Sphelele Mkhulise in the holding role, while Jayden Adams filled in for Allende.

Mkhulise impressed in that outing, and his strong showing places him firmly in contention to start in Polokwane.

Sekhukhune United, meanwhile, have earned a reputation for being difficult to break down on home soil. Even title contenders Orlando Pirates were held to a draw at the same venue last weekend.

2025/26 Betway Premiership form

Sundowns continue to lead the way in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, sharing top spot with Orlando Pirates on 28 points apiece.

The Brazilians have made a solid start to the campaign, collecting eight wins, five draws and suffering just one defeat from their opening 14 league matches. Their attacking and defensive balance has been evident, with 22 goals scored and only seven conceded, resulting in an impressive +15 goal difference.

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They have also been dominant at home, remaining unbeaten with six victories and one draw so far this season.

Iqraam Rayners has been their most prolific attacker, topping the scoring charts with six goals, while Mokoena has been instrumental in midfield, contributing four assists and dictating the tempo when available.

Here is what fans are saying about Teboho Mokoena's absence from the game against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.

Gregory Griffin said:

"He is tired. If I were him, I’d keep getting booked!"

Dear_Black02 shared:

"Sekhukhune, what you did to Pirates, repeat mode here."

Phillip Dube wrote:

"They still have Aubaas and Mkhulise, I'm a Chiefs fan, but I love Sundowns players coz of their qualities. I was impressed with Mkhulise against Orbit. It was nice to see him."

Tandlenkosi Gambu reacted:

"I'm a Pirates fan, but let Bathusi Aubaas handle that position 👌👌👌he's quality."

Prof98The Governor

"Even if he was not suspended, we were not going to play him so that he could rest....... Sundowns will still win."

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Bafana star leaves Sundowns for Europe

Briefly News also reported that a Bafana Bafana star has left Sundowns for a move to Europe after failing to make Cardoso's starting line-up.

The South African international is seeking enough playing time as he looks forward to making Bafana Bafana's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Source: Briefly News