HERMAN GIBBS
Defending PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns bounced back to winning ways with a flattering Premiership 3-0 win over Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday night.
The margin sounds convincing, but Sundowns were gifted the first goal after Sekhukhune defender Tresor Tshibwabwa turned the ball into his net. Early in the second half, referee Jelly Chavani controversially awarded Sundowns a penalty, adjudging Ivorian goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré had upended goal-bound striker Iqraam Rayners. TV replays showed that Rayners had not been touched.
However, Sekhukhune’s protests fell on deaf ears, and Sundowns took a commanding 2-0 lead after Brazilian Arthur Sales scored his first goal in Sundowns colours from the spot.
This goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of the Limpopo visitors. By the time Rayners added the third goal, Sekhukhune was reduced to onlookers in their penalty area later in the match.
Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams also played a part in the victory, underlining his world-class ability. In the first half, he denied Keletso Makgalwa, a Kaizer Chiefs transfer target, in a one-on-one showdown at close quarters. He pulled off a blinder in the second half to deflect a piledriver from left-back Vuyo Letlapa. These were two match-saving efforts by Williams.
Despite the convincing scoreline, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi and the technical staff were not entirely pleased with some match statistics. The team dominated with a 71% possession advantage, yet Sundowns’ defence battled to restrict the opposition attack, who had the luxury of 12 shots at goal on the back of meagre possession. Sundowns managed one more, with 13 shots on goal.
Mngqithi felt his team lost possession all too easily in the final third, robbing them of opportunities to capitalise.
“I think there were moments where we were a little bit sloppy. We made a lot of tactical errors on the ball. Also, we lost the ball cheaply sometimes, especially in the final third,” said Mngqithi.
“Sometimes we were not moving the ball as fast as we could but overall, I think the control was good. Everything turned out the way we anticipated. We controlled (Lesedi) Kapinga and Keletso (Makgalwa) very well, because they would be a problem in transition. I think the boys deserve all the credit.”
What Mngqithi was very happy with was the performance of his 20-year-old centre-back Malibongwe Khoza, who revealed so much maturity and composure in central defence alongside the seasoned Grant Kekana.
“I’m thrilled with Khoza. I think he’s developing into something big,” said Mngqithi. “I can tell you now, if he continues the way he is playing, he has a big chance to go to AFCON with the national team. I have no doubt.”
Mngqithi also had a word of praise for the Brazilian Ribeiro Costa, who usually takes Sundowns’ penalties. Instead, he stepped aside for his countryman Sales to allow the new signing to open his scoring account for his new team.
“I know his personality. He would have done it for anybody else. He did the same for Peter (Shalulile). He has done lots of positive things for his teammates to make sure that everybody is part of the group, and I’m happy that Sales has got his first goal.”
Sundowns will return to continental action for their Champions League clash against FAR Rabat in hostile Morocco next Saturday evening.
