Khulumani Ndamane braced for tough Golden Arrows test

06.09.26 09:00 South African Betway Premiership

Lamontville Golden Arrows

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Mamelodi Sundowns FC

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Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane is anticipating a tough Betway Premiership encounter against Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The two teams will lock horns for the third time in a period of two weeks, having tussled in a two-legged MTN8 semi-final tie, where the Brazilians emerged victorious through away goal rule after a 3-3 draw on aggregate.

With the league clash on the horizon, Ndamane is not taking Abafana Bes'thende lightly, as the KwaZulu-Natal outfit proved capable of giving the reigning African champions a run for their money.

“I think it won't be an easy match because we've played two matches against them already, and this will be a third match. So, I think they will approach the game with a winning mentality because everyone plays to win,” said the Downs stalwart.

"We just have to focus on the game and come back with maximum points. I think we just have to expect them to come guns blazing because they are playing a home game. We have to maintain them and secure three points.

Notably, Sundowns have a chance to leapfrog log leaders and defending champions Orlando Pirates, who will be in CAF Champions League action this weekend, with the two teams level on 13 points after five matches played.

“What matters is that if we get three points and goals we can be able to move into the number one spot, so we just have to focus on the game,” added Ndamane, whose last and only appearance dates back to the return leg of the cup tie against Arrows.

"But even if we win 1-0, I think it would be a good result because we are playing an away game.

The 22-year-old centre-half will be itching to get the nod to start at the heart of defence on Sunday, having had a slow start to the 2026/27 campaign, owing to an injury he sustained during pre-season.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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