When the DStv Premiership resumes this week, Mamelodi Sundowns may find themselves without several of their Bafana Bafana stars.

Masandawana's upcoming match against Arrows on Wednesday could see them missing key players who are currently in Ivory Coast representing the national team at the African Cup of Nations (Afcon).

It's anticipated that Bafana Bafana will only return to the country in the early hours of Wednesday morning, leaving Sundowns at risk of playing their next two games without their top performers.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has indicated that he intends to field a strong lineup against DR Congo in the Afcon's third-place match on Saturday, which suggests that he will maintain the presence of eight Sundowns players in his squad.

Among the 10 Sundowns players selected to represent Bafana Bafana at this year’s Afcon are Ronwen Williams, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Terrence Mashego, and Thapelo Morena.