Mamelodi Sundowns displayed a flawless performance by beating Marumo Gallants 4-0 on Saturday evening to maintain their unbeaten start in the DStv Premiership
Masandawana enjoyed a positive start at the Peter Mokaba Stadium before defender Khuliso Mudau was involved in a dangerous tackle with Lebogang Mabotja of Gallants which forced The Brazilians to make an early substitute as Thapelo Morena made his way onto the pitch. Bafana Ba Style deservedly took the lead after 20 minutes of play from a great build up of play, Themba Zwane perfectly placed the ball in the net as Gallant’s goalkeeper Washington Arubi attempted to save the ball.
Neo Maema had an effort crash off the post having received the pass from Pavol Safranko and he looked certain to score as Masandawana once again cut through Marumo’s defence. Sphelele Mkhulise followed up with a first-time effort that went slightly off target. For much of the first half, The Brazilians were enjoying the ball possession, moving the ball around quickly and efficiently while the home side chased. Downs went into the first half break with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Mshishi who scored his second league goal in the new season.
Sundowns sparked a period of near-total control against the hosts by dominating the ball while Marumo struggled to put together sustained passing moves and counter attacks. It was Mkhulise who was fouled inches away from the arc, Maema stepped up to take the free kick but could not convert. Gallants Sibusiso Kumalo found his way into Masandawana’s territory and came face to face with Reyaad Pieterse who had little to do on the night, with his shot on target, Pieterse was well prepared and redirected the aggressive shot outside. Gallants were in a good position to find an equalizer from their corner kick with Mpho Mvelase’s shot going over the goalposts but convincing enough to have been a goal for the hosts.
Marumo were adamant in their pressing after Mkhulise lost the ball, Celimpilo Ngema wasted no time in taking a chance at goal with a long range that yielded no results and his teammate Sede Junior Dion followed as well, but Pieterse was not to be played with and the Downs goalie saved the attempts at goal.
Downs double their lead with twelve minutes remaining as striker Peter Shalulile was on hand to tap home a spilled effort from Arubi in goals and a few minutes later Downs’ dominance was rewarded with Slovakian striker Pavol Safranko getting his name on the DStv Premiership score sheet after a well timed rebound from Arubi’s save against Maema.
Into the dying minutes of the game Masandawana managed the game while Gallants continued to look for solutions. Mothobi Mvala was introduced in the place of Mkhulise and played an excellent role in The Brazilians fourth goal that sunk Gallants hopes of coming back into the game. It was Mvala’s pass to Zwane that provided Shalulile’s second goal in the encounter, Mshishi’s dangerous cross was turned into goal number for Masandawana.
The scoreline reflects Downs’ dominance with their brilliant performance and a vital three points as they head onto the international FIFA break.
This is how we lined up: R. Pieterse, M. Lebusa © , D. Lunga, K. Mudau (8′ Morena), G. Kekana, A. Jali, S. Mkhulise (85′ Mvala), N. Maema, T. Zwane, P. Safranko, P. Shalulile
Subs: R. Goss, T. Morena, L. Lakay, L. Kapinga, G. Motupa, R. De Reuck, S. Vilakazi, G. Sirino, M. Mvala.
Eish this Wisemen of ours are out of this world and someone thought when he left us we will be mediocrity forgetting it’s us Downs whom we gave him a job when no one was willing to employed him.
I still wonder what will happen to our opposition teams when Neo,Domingo,Zwane and Maraisane plays at the same time,lastly I like the distribution of the ball by our goalkeeper and he proved me wrong,Kby forever
We need to give credit where is due,our technical team is doing a very great job.We are a well oiled machine under your leadership.We are more convincing and setting records under your leadership than our previous coach,i once said we are playing with hand break on under our previous coach. If you can continue working together and put personal glory aside for the sake of the whole Mamelodi Sundowns family achievement, you are going to win this champions league.The introduction of Mkhulise for the unavailable Domingo was masterclass. Mkhulise’s work rate is top,he is always looking to receive the ball after passing it,he doesn’t hide or fade away.Love Safranko.s performance,he work tirelessly throughout the game,his combination with Shaulile will destroy many teams,i even told my friends during the game that he is going to score.I would love to see Shaulile/Motupa or Safranko/Motupa combination.Very much impressed with Peterse’s contribution,his distribution with both hands and feet is too good. Maema is the master key that unlocks all the locked doors,he is very hungry.My simple plea to my technical team,continue to play players who show hunger and don’t play lazy big name players.
Heita masandawana I would like to thank our three wise man for the job well done, sundowns is a well oiled machine our players performed well in every game that we played, OOOh maema what a player nor forgetting shalulile, zwane safranko you guys you are doing wonders
Waaaaaaawww
What a performance, first half was excellent. Complete dominance, great passing game and a goal.
Great work by players and technical team.
We are marching 👆👆👆👆👆