Free-scoring Brazilians take aim at impressive Milford

Mamelodi Sundowns’ free-scoring style will come up against the impressive grit of Betway Premiership rookies Milford FC, when the teams meet at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on the evening of Wednesday 2 September. Kick-off at 7.30pm CAT.

Sundowns have racked up eight goals in their last two matches, following up a 5-2 home triumph over AmaZulu FC in the league last midweek (which left them as co-leaders) with a 3-2 away win over Golden Arrows in the MTN8 semifinals on Sunday – a result which has seen the Brazilians set up a showdown with Orlando Pirates in the final in October.

Miguel Cardoso’s team are not a perfect machine just yet, as they concede too many goals due to unnecessary errors, but their attacking firepower remains capable of overwhelming even the most stubborn opponents. Arrows, for example, had put together a run of nine successive clean sheets in competitive matches (stretching back to last season), but they were unable to hold Sundowns back.

Milford, meanwhile, have been one of the revelations of the new Betway Premiership season, claiming seven points from a possible 12 to sit in fifth place after four rounds. After an opening day defeat to reigning champions Orlando Pirates, they bounced back with successive wins over Siwelele FC and Kruger United, as well as a 0-0 draw away to Polokwane City last midweek.

The Stallions have combined a resilient defence with a gritty determination – best demonstrated by their come-from-behind win over Kruger in which they played more than half of the match with 10 men – and they will need both elements to be at full force if they are to get the better of Sundowns.

What the teams are saying

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso on the balance between individual errors and effort put in by the same players:

“Sure, sure, again we suffered goals from a mistake in a ball that we used, something the boys really need to take into consideration because we’re being penalised individually, characterised by here and then individual mistakes.

“Anyway, for me it’s always looking at the right side of the question and see how the boys worked today. It’s very difficult for me to complain on a player that loses the ball but run for 90 minutes and put so much effort.”

Milford coach Xanti Pupuma on how his team’s continuity has helped them make a good start to life in the Premiership:

“I think the fact that we didn't change a lot, I think we added like four or five players and most of the regulars have been playing together for almost two seasons and that makes it easy.

“The principles are still the same so it helps us to have that continuity and hopefully with time we're gonna grow into the season and I'm sure my boys have started to believe that they belong here, they can compete with these guys and some of them it's been their dream to play in the PSL.”

Mamelodi Sundowns – Cassius Mailula

The versatile attacker has made a fantastic return to Sundowns, scoring four goals across league and cup matches so far in 2026/27. Mailula’s knack for being in the right place at the right time has proven a major weapon for the Brazilians, and he will hope to continue that on Wednesday evening.

Milford FC – Thabana Mabena

Midfielder Thabana Mabena has been one of Milford’s most impressive players thus far in their rookie top flight season, notably scoring in the win over Kruger United and putting up a fine display last week in the draw with Polokwane City. He will hope to prove himself against an illustrious opponent like Mamelodi Sundowns.

This will be the first competitive/official meeting of Mamelodi Sundowns and Milford FC.