Kaizer Chiefs v Mamelodi Sundowns – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Amakhosi are hoping for a repeat of their Nedbank Cup win over Downs in April. The defending champions have won just three of their six matches so far this season whilst Amakhosi have nine points from three rounds of league action.

Match: Kaizer Chiefs v Mamelodi Sundowns
When: Wednesday, 2 August 2025, 19:30

Kaizer Chiefs Form

Chiefs ended last season on a nine-match winless league run. They shocked Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final to end a 10-year wait for silverware. After two league draws to finish the season, they ended in ninth place in the table.

This season has begun much better. They survived an onslaught against ten-man Stellenbosch to win 2-0 in the Mother City before a 1-0 win over Polokwane City thanks to a late goal. They scored late again a week ago to beat Richards Bay 2-0. Chiefs allowed just two shots and one of those came in added time.

Kaizer Chiefs Team News

Amakhosi are missing three centre backs in Rushwin Dortley, Given Msimango and Aden McCarthy. The latter went off injured against Richards Bay so Zitha Kwinika could be handed a start.

At left back, Bradley Cross and Nkanyiso Shinga have missed some training this week due to illness. Newly signed striker Etiosa Ighodaro was injured in training and is a doubt for this match.

Kaizer Chiefs Motivation

Amakhosi are hoping to stage an unlikely title challenge. They will try to nick the three points for a big statement victory.

Chiefs won’t play an open game but they will look to build from the back.  

Mamelodi Sundowns Form

Sundowns ended last season with just one trophy, the PSL title. They won 24 of their 28 matches before a strong showing at the FIFA Club World Cup. They started the 2025-26 season with a 4-0 MTN8 win over Richards Bay before a 1-1 draw away at Chippa United.

After beating AmaZulu 2-0, they faced Pirates in two legs of the MTN8 semi-finals. A 1-1 first leg draw at home was followed by a 1-1 draw and a subsequent loss on penalties in the second leg. Between those two cup matches was a 2-0 win at Magesi as they survived a barrage of set-pieces.

Mamelodi Sundowns Team News

Star player Lucas Ribeiro remains unavailable as he desperately looks to leave the club. Khuliso Mudau has returned to training but it’s unlikely that he will feature in this fixture. Zuko Mdunyelwa or Thapelo Morena will play at right back.

Further forward, Arthur Sales could start down the right flank in Ribeiro’s position. Themba Zwane is out injured so Jayden Adams may start in the engine room once again.

Mamelodi Sundowns Motivation

Downs are determined to get back to winning ways after their cup elimination. They won’t fear Chiefs and will see a draw as a poor result.

A dominant approach is expected. Under Miguel Cardoso, they often drop back once leading and look to protect a 1-0 advantage.

Key Stats

Kaizer Chiefs have won their last 3 league matches with clean sheets.

Chiefs have scored just 9 goals in their last 12 league matches (4 blanks fired)

Mamelodi Sundowns have won their last 4 league matches vs Chiefs.

Sundowns have won to zero in 8 of their last 9 league games.

Verdict

Chiefs have started this season looking strong. However, Downs usually edge this fixture and I’m backing a win with a clean sheet.

Featured Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win at 1.83

Alternate Bet: Mamelodi Sundowns win to zero at 2.65

Correct Score Tip: Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns at 4.50