Masandawana Earn Three Points In Woza Wednesday Action

Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday afternoon.

A quick start and a Neo Maema goal set the tone at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, with goals also from Peter Shalulile and new signing Marcello Allende on either side of half-time gave the defending Champions massive three points to move up the log in league.

Masandawana came into the game with a point from their weekend encounter, after one minute into the start of the first half, Gaston Sirino picked up a pass in the final third area from Neo Maema and took a shot at Sage Stephens but Stellies defense cleared out the attempt. The efforts to clear out the ball wasn’t enough from Stellenbosch as the ball fell at the feet of Maema who composed himself and calmly shot past Stephens to give Downs the lead.

Bafana Ba Style defended well throughout the opening minutes of the first half, offering the visitors few chances, Fawaaz Basadien tried to get Stellies back into the game with a shot aimed at goal but Ronwen Williams was in a good position to make the save. Downs regained their attacking momentum shortly, Themba Zwane’s shot went wide past the left side of goal.

Masandawana were forced to make a substitute when Sirino was brought down and medical stretched him off the field. Thapelo Morena replaced the Uruguay international winger, 10 minutes later into the game the full back was in full wing together with Maema, however their attempt was intercepted by Stellies defenders. 

After the half hour mark, Sundowns recycled the ball from Andile Jali who returned to the starting line up after picking up an injury. Jali played the ball to Teboho Mokoena, the 25-year-old Bethlehem star struck a long range shot on target as the ball hit the crossbar. 

Striker Peter Shalulile doubled the home side’s advantage as the clock hit the 40th minute. As the game approached half time, Mshishi was showing off skills and combining passes with Shalulile who had a chance to extend his goal scoring gakky in the league, Downs took a 2-0 lead into the break.

Just five minutes after the restart into the second half The Brazilians looked to rattle the opposition, Khuliso Mudau’s pass into the box fell on to Shalulile and Mokoena, but the two mates passed the ball back to Aubrey Modiba who was waiting outside the box. Modiba’s shot at goal went off target and gave Stephens no threats, a few minutes later center back Rushine De Reuck headed Mokoena’s cross towards goal but Stephens stretched out his hands to make the save.

After an hour, Sibongiseni Mthethwa lined up a shot on target for Stellies, but his efforts met Williams who was ready to clear any danger in the box. Masandawana made their substitutions at 67 minutes, Sipho Mbule replaced Maema and at 75 minutes Jali, Modiba and Zwane made their way out for Bradley Ralani, Lyle Lakay and new signing Allende.

The new Bafana Ba Style signing from Chile was unveiled before the game and handed his first run in the DStv Premiership on the same night, Allende scored the third goal for the Champion side and marked his excellent debut. The 23-year-old Chilean attacker received a pass from Morena before putting a lovely finish past Stephens.

The Yellow Nation roared on their team throughout the rest of the second half and Masandawana looked unstoppable, Allende and Morena combined again in attack but the solid defense of Stellenbosch blocked their attempt.

The visitors ran out of answers as they sought to find a way back into the game, but The Brazilians put on a performance of class and intensity to take all the points.

This is how we lined up: 

  1. Williams, A. Modiba (75′ Lakay), K. Mudau, B. Onyango, R. De Reuck, T. Mokoena, A. Jali © (75′ Ralani), N. Maema (67′ Mbule), T. Zwane (75′ Allende), G. Sirino (25′ Morena), P. Shalulile 

Subs: D. Onyango (GK), T. Morena, T. Lebusa, B. Ralani, C. Mailula, S. Mbule, L. Lakay, M. Mvala, M. Allende