Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team ended their wait for a win when they stunned the Stellenbosch FC Reserves in a 1-3 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. Masandawana had not defeated the side from the winelands in three seasons, and this weekend, they chased the struggle from their backs with a performance and result that offered a promise for better times.
After dropping points in their previous two games, the young Brazilians had come to the party against a Stellenbosch side that had haunted them for seasons. They kicked off the match strongly with a convincing attempt from Siyabonga Mabena right in front of the goal. His chance was, however, intercepted by the Stellenbosch defence. Another chance from Mabena came through a powerful shot that the goalkeeper buckled.
Downs finally managed to stun the crowd in Kwa-Mhlanga with a goal 17 minutes after kick-off when Mabena pushed forward with his dribbling spells before firing it home with a stunning goal. From the left flank, he finally beat the goalkeeper as he saw the ball go past him to hit the woodwork and went past the line and in the opposite direction.
Masandawana were in control of the game, holding on to possession and not allowing their Stellenbosch counterparts to take the ball to their half. Desperate to hold a convincing lead against Stellenbosch, the visitors were taking their chances.
From the other half, Thabo Nkabinde fired a powerful shot on target to almost stun the hosts. Unfortunately, the keeper was on the mark to catch it. There was also a scoring opportunity for Bennet Mokoena in the closing stages of the opening half. From Thato Sibiya’s supply that came from the left flank, Mokoena headed the ball powerfully and missed the target as it sailed over the bar. Despite the fight Downs put up in the first half, they still went to the interval with a one-goal lead.
Bafana Ba Style enjoyed the better of it after the restart as they picked up from where they left off. Mokoena continued to look for a goal, as he was not planning to leave Kwa-Mhlanga without seeing his name on the scoresheet. He took a chance from the edge of the area with a not-so-powerful shot that ended up landing in the goalkeeper’s arms.
In the 58th minute, after fighting so hard, the young Brazilians managed to double their advantage through second-half substitute Chuene Moabelo’s strike. From a throw-in in their half, Mobaelo received the ball just outside the area. He then lashed a shot that found the side netting to make it two for his side.
A few minutes later, the hosts finally beat the Downs rearguard and almost wiped the advantage when they pulled one back to reduce their visitors’ lead. Nqobani Biyela had managed to smack away their first goal attempt but was beaten with the rebound shot as it found the opposite direction. Stellies tried to rattle Biyela on the spot multiple times – as they looked to walk away with at least shared spoils – but the Downs shotstopper rose to the occasion and denied them thrice.
In the 78th minute, Masandawana fired it home to conclude the match through Mokoena who finally put his name on the scoresheet. Mabena had won possession and dribbled past the defence again from the left flank. He managed to cut inside and delivered the ball to Mokeona. From range, with no hesitation, Mokeona fired one that the goalkeeper could not save.
The visitors continued to push strongly in the final lap. Mabena almost hit a brace in the closing stages when he snatched the ball from the Stellenbosch defence on the near post. His attempt hit the side of the net as he tried to hit the far post. While they had looked for more goals, coach Tiro van Rooyen’s charges had to settle for just the three goals. This result saw Bafana Ba Style return to winning ways after dropping points in their last two matches. They will look to finish the year strong in their last two games against Polokwane City and Orbit College.
How we lined up: Biyela © Sibande, Sithole, Nkabinde, Sibiya, Jodamus, Masisi, Kekana, Mabena, Mokoena, Siquba.
Subs: Shabangu, Seedat, Moabelo, Booysen, Mlondo.
