Mamelodi Sundowns thumped Maritzburg United 5-0 in Tuesday night’s DStv Premiership clash at Harry Gwala Stadium. The Brazilians enjoyed their return to league action after a disappointing weekend on home ground, it was the best possible way for the defending Champions to show their intentions of defending the title.
Bafana Ba Style looked to take control of the encounter in the opening minutes of the first half, it was Haashim Domingo who put up the first threat for Sundowns. Domingo chipped in the ball over the defenders, but was unfortunate to not have his teammates positioned in the right place to attack the effort. The Tshwane giants continued pushing forward with intent and ferocity, putting pressure on the defenders who ended up committing fouls as they were unable to keep up with the pressure.
Downs goalie Ronwen Williams had to get into action when he made an abrupt save from a corner kick attempt, Maritzburg looked to open the scoring board with an in-swinger. Williams made a fine save and set his team up for a counter attack.
As the game approached 20 minutes of open play, Neo Maema selected his pass to Cassius Mailula who spotted Domingo upfront, the 27-year old midfielder fired a long range shot which went slightly off target. Thapelo Morena and Domingo’s goals were three minutes apart, it all started with Mailula who connected the ball from the middle of the park to set up Morena on the right side of the pitch. Morena crafted a low cross into the box to meet Domingo who struck the first time as Anye Derick failed to make the save for the Team of Choice.
Shortly after his outstanding assist, Morena put in the second goal for Bafana Ba Style, this time assisted by Maema with a pass in the 18 area. The last few minutes towards half time, Masandawana showed total dominance on the pitch, winning every ball that the opposition tried playing forward and making minimal errors in their passess. Teboho Mokoena found the opportunity to put in a cross towards the far post, with Mailula who found space in the box and stretched out to connect his shot but was saved by Derick and the defenders.
Sundowns continued to look the more likely scorers in the opening exchanges, shortly afterwards Mailula got his name on the scoresheet after putting pressure on the last line of defense. Morena was involved yet again with a perfectly put cross straight past the box, Mailula got on to it and beat the keeper to score his first DStv Premiership goal. The Brazilians went into the break leading with three goals to zero.
Sundowns kept up the tempo in the second half, and shortly after the restart made changes, Mothobi Mvala and Bradley Ralani took the place of Rushine De Reuck and Sphelele Mkhulise. It was yet another one-way traffic in the second half with Downs pounding the defenders with ongoing attacks as they nearly extended the lead.
The hosts persevered and held on, with Van der Ross battling with Mosa Lebusa on the side looking promising for the home team, Tumelo Njoti hit the side of the net with his attempt at goal. The 4th goal was another well-worked goal, Domingo hit his brace with an assist from Morena.
Mailula completed his brace, after receiving Ralani’s pass the midfielder sent the defenders in the opposite direction and registered the last goal for Masandawana. The battle ended with five fine goals for Downs as they remain at the top of the log standing with 25 points.
This is how we lined up: R. Williams, T. Morena, R. De Reuck (57′ Mvala), M. Lebusa © (80′ Mudau), G. Kekana, T. Mokoena (80′ Jali), S. Mkhulise (57′ Ralani), N. Maema, H. Domingo, C. Mailula, M. Allende (70′ Maboe).
Subs: D. Onyango, L. Kapinga, T. Zwane, A. Jali, L. Maboe, M. Mvala, G. Sirino, K. Mudau, B. Ralani.
Brilliant performance by the boys,Morena was good at ryt back,Mokoena was good as a 6,Allende was good as a playmaker,Domingo was good as 10(ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONED PLAYERS WERE PLAYED IN THEIR RIGHTFUL POSITIONS),we also used 1 holding midfielder instead of the ineffective system of having 2………my only concerns r the left back n centre forward positions(YES I KNOW MAILULA SCORED A BRACE)
Awesome performance,hunger aggression,zeal, fighting spirit and most importantly the brother wood were shown in that game.We were offensive throughout the game,even the Maema we fell in love is back.Loved how Grant and Williams were motivating Lebusa when he was under pressure.I also saw the best of Allende,he was in charge and spraying good forward passes.I think in the absence of Mashego,Ngobeni can cope well at left back,he is got talent and speed.Loved the intensity when we don’t have the ball and the speed when going forward,we were direct and playing positive football.JOB WELL DONE AND KEEP IT UP.
Gud start Rulan keep your up don’t be big headed work well with partner special Steve has big knowledge of the game thanks to management gud action
Thanks for the win and well played yesterday there was no too many back passes and slow build ups but we caught them with counter attacks the whole game.
Its not that M.United is poor nowadays its us who we upped our game by playing skillfully young players and I was so impressed by Allende and Mokoena to mention just a few, this is position where Mokoena was excelling at S.United.
Lastly also happy that Zwane and Sirino sat the whole game on the bench we need players whom are dedicated if they loose the ball mark and counter press the opponents not to play for possession. Kby forever
Just one correction, the first gopal Mailula was not involved, It came straight from Williams to Allende who put in a through ball to Morena who crossed for Domingo to finish. It was pleasing to see the team performing the way they did more especially after the weekend’s results. Good start for coach Rhulani as head coach, although we always know the contribution from the whole technical team. What I liked was seeing coach Steve drilling the boys before the game and the players executed it perfectly more especially the crosses from Morena which I feel is what Modau lacks on and should improve to become a complete player. Lets continue with the same intensity, intent and aggression in the next game against Royal AM
Very good display by the team… I agree with most of you guys… The game was played at the right tempo and right intensity… The opposition did not have time to breathe. Slow build-ups allow the opposition to go back into their positions and it becomes hard to penetrate. Super pass by Ronwen. And to be honest, all the players were on the ball last night… Probably a reaction to the obvious… But let’s see if they can keep it up. Superb performance!!!