The eighth successive league championship is fast becoming a reality for Mamelodi Sundowns as they keep on winning while their direct opponents falter.
The Brazilians beat AmaZulu 2-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday night, while second-placed Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw in the Mother City by Cape Town City. The results mean Sundowns, who have played 22 matches, now enjoy an 18-point lead over the Buccaneers, who have played four games fewer.
Peter Shalulile and Arthur Sales scored early and late in the second half, respectively, as Sundowns overcame a stubborn Usuthu side that had kept them at bay before the break. The result marked an 11th home victory in 11 matches for Sundowns this campaign — a perfect return that is the stuff of champions.
The Namibian sniper netted his 100th goal for the Brazilians just four minutes after the break as he edged ever closer to usurping Siyabonga Nomvete as the PSL’s all-time leading scorer. And it was a superb goal by Shalulile, who ran onto a long through ball, got a touch to beat the advancing Veli Mothwa, and then slotted home.
Late in the match, after Sundowns had enjoyed the lion’s share of possession as they often do, they made the victory more convincing, with Sales making it 2-0 with a well-placed shot from inside the box across Mothwa in the Usuthu goal.
This goal once again illustrated the class and quality of Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who was brilliant in twisting and turning the Usuthu defenders before delivering a fantastic pass for Sales, who also turned well before firing into the far corner.
Sundowns’ overall performance, with Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams superb in midfield, confirmed their desire — and, no doubt, ability — to win the title yet again. And with Pirates faltering as they did in Cape Town, it would take a miracle for the new Betway Premiership trophy to be lifted by anyone other than Sundowns.
They are sure to be favorites to complete a double over the Buccaneers, whom they visit this weekend. Having won the first-round match 4-1, Sundowns will know that beating Pirates again will bring them even closer to their eighth successive Premiership title.
In the other matches last night, Magesi FC moved up to 14th place with a 1-0 victory over Richards Bay United, with Delano Abrahams scoring the solitary goal, while TS Galaxy humiliated SuperSport United 3-1 in Nelspruit.
