It was a memorable outing for Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team this weekend when they returned to winning ways in style through a 7-1 triumph against the MarumoGallants Reserves on Saturday morning at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein. Goals from Ntando Nkosi, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Sipho Ngqakabana, Sechaba Gaseitsiwe, and a hattrick from Thulani Zandamela helped the rampant Downs soar to victory.
The past few weeks haven’t been favourable for the young Brazilians but they remained resilient and made a statement in Bloemfontein . From the go, they took control of the ball and were harmonious on the pitch. The camaraderie was evident because nine minutes into the encounter, after knocking on the door several times, Downs opened the floodgates through a beautiful easy strike on the edge of the box by captain Nkosi.
A few moments later, a head concussion on Gomolemo Kekana forced the visitors to make an early substitute. Ngqakabana was introduced to help the team, which was done with ease.
The hosts had a few threatening moments in front of the goal but the Downs rearguard had it under control and barely kept the goalkeeper, Nqobani Biyela busy. In the 21st minute, another goal came and it belonged to Zandamela. It started from a long shot that came from Downs’ half into the other half. Ngqakabana made a good run to find the ball then crossed it to the face of the goal where Zandamela toe-poked it in to extend the visitors’ lead. Ten minutes later, a penalty was awarded to the home side which they scored, seeing them reduce the gap between the two sides.
From then on, Masandawana took complete dominance. Siwelele sa Marumo had no chance because the ball was protected. Coach David Notoane’s men were aggressive on the attack and kept looking for more goals. Just before the break, Letlhaku and Zandamela, again, found the back of the net. Letlhaku’s goal came from OarabileBooysen who had handed the ball to Zandamela, but because he wasn’t positioned well to take the shot, he made a backheel pass to Letlhaku who from the left flank, struck the ball in. Four minutes later, Booysen, again, made a good run to the right flank where he made a short pass to the near post. Zandamela – who was readily waiting to receive the ball – fired the shot onto the tongue of the net. The two sides went to the break with the visitors leading 4-1.
The second stanza was business as usual for the young Brazilians as they looked to pick up where they left off. Even though Gallants looked more physical and hungrier for goals, Biyela and his rearguard cleaned up the chances nicely at the back to ensure that the hosts didn’t go beyond the one goal they scored in the opening half.
To open the second half proceedings, even though it was 18 minutes into the half, Zandamela completed his hattrick. Ngqakabana made a defence-splitting pass to Zandamela who kicked the ball a bit away from his marked self, found the ball and went past the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.
The high press and quick football displayed by the Brazilians began to frustrate the hosts, causing them to make mistakes that Masandawana capitalized on. Two more goals in the final stages of the match were seen. After his assists, Ngqakabana was eager to also add his name to the scoresheet, so he did, through a clean toe-poke. Gaseitsiwe, who came in from the bench, also scored his first goal in the Diski Brazilian colours, to wrap up the day.
How we lined up: Biyela, Norawana, Mampane, Seedat, Sibiya, Masisi, Kekana, Nkosi©, Booysen, Zandamela, Letlhaku.
Subs: Shabangu, Nkabinde, Gaseitsiwe, Mokoena, Ngqakabana.
