It was a good evening at the office for Mamelodi Sundowns as they picked up the maximum points in their first league encounter. It was the 2-0 win over SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld that saw them grab bragging rights in the Tshwane Derby on Tuesday night.
The hosts kicked off their inaugural Betway Premiership campaign with a squad almost similar to the one at the weekend and were superb from the time the referee blew the kick-off whistle.
As is usual in derby matches, the support from the Yellow Nation was positive from the off and that was encouraging to the Brazilians, as it was evident through dominating the ball and the big chances they created. Ricardo Goss of SuperSport was forced into action several times, the first threat being posed by Iqraam Rayners. Rayners made a good run to Lucas Ribeiro who had a chance to shoot but his angle was too tight to get it right.
The away side had only a couple of half-chances that fell their way but were equally not fruitful as Ronwen Williams made clean saves. Both defence squads stood firm in the final minutes of the first stanza to keep the score at 0-0 at the break.
The match resumed with both teams continuing with the fight. Shortly after the hour mark, Coach Manqoba introduced captain Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba and Tashreeq Matthews. The introduction of Zwane was a game changer as he made an assist two minutes into his play. He made a beautiful backfoot pass to Rayners who made a shot into the net.
Ribeiro extended the lead three minutes later, after knocking on the door from the beginning of the match.
Matsatsantsa almost found the back of the net on the 77th minute but Williams made a good save as he smacked the ball out to keep a clean sheet for their first match.
Both sides looked for goals at the final stages of the match but the score remained 2-0 until the full-time whistle.
How we lined up: Williams, Kekana, Coetzee, Lebusa, Morena, Maboe, Allende, Tiwani, Ribeiro, Shalulile, Rayners.
Subs: Onyango, Lorch, Modiba, Aubaas, Matthews, Zwane, Mkhulise, Mabena, Khoza.
Congrats to the technical team and plyers , you played an excellent game against Supersport, very nice and fast football to watch , our tiki taka that we know.it is going to be difficult to replace Morena and Cotzee , I think Mudau and Mokoena have a competition there and they need to work hard to reclaim their positions.Shalulile keep your head up boy,goals will come .For me you can play better with Reiners when you get to be mobile and swap around positions to confuse the opposition.
Congrats to the boys and tenchical team, we played well especially second half after the introduction of mshishi, Morris and modiba.
Good win,the intensity and speed was good,i think if we can master our new style of play we are going to hummer teams. Costa is marvel to watch but he must also learn to play the balls to team mates who are free to score.I was a bit concern with the slow ball rotation at the back in the first half,Our central defenders must learn to move with the ball and play forward passes,we have a solid and talented left back in Tiwani.Rayners is razor sharp,if we can play more on front foot with lots of forward passes he can score more than 25 goals. If we can maintain the same attitude we will wrap this league in the first round.Bravo to the technical team.
Thank you coach for the win and telling those biased journalists at the press conference where to get off yesterday,those people have a hidden agenda towards you.
Lastly thank you for putting Mokoena and Mudau on grandstand they must stay till they realise that Downs is much bigger than them and please don’t field them on our A list games but to Magesi game.
We can’t dwell on the past always cry about Rhulani even those pro Rhulani supporters they must join him in Morroco its boring to hear them now.
A great game indeed I enjoyed it throughout.I so wish that Kegan Johannes a speedy recovery we need him to solidify the defense and b accustomed with the way Sundowns do things at the back..I’m also happy that substitutions r the ones that brought a game changer and that’s what is needed.I’m worried by opposition teams that come 2 frustrate Sundowns by parking the bus only 2 come out of their shells the minute we score a goal.In all we will b subjected 2 this ugly football only 2 find they start 2 play positively after conceding.Mokoena,Modau,Modiba and whoever thought Rhulani was their friend must come 2 their senses that Rhulani doesn’t put food on their table but Sundowns.Kaboyelo I remain.
I think Apolis could a perfect replacement for Sirino,i so wish we could break a bank to get him.He is still young and hungry for success,above all a huge investment.
Those players who don’t respect our humble technical team should be allowed to follow RULANI and pay compensation to Sundowns for the remainder of their contract. Who they think they are? People easily forget Mnqithi is not a hypocrites if he was he shouldn’t have been in the sundowns colors thus far. Because of his character and integrity he is still a Mamelodi Sundowns coach. Anyway congrats on the three points, two goals and clean sheet. Superb
It seems we will not get our targets even tomorrow the way things are happening,I’m talking about Appolis,Adams and Feisal.
The above SA internationals their respective teams are not willing to sell them to us and it will be a miracle if the window closes having secured even one of them,if we fail on them let’s register Nassir again we need a strong attacking frontliine.
Well played boys, please, what a game.
Congrats to the technical team.
Shasha, Shasha, Shalulile, nangu Shalulile.
Boy, goals are coming your way, don’t stress, you remain a Sundowns best striker of all times
Congratulations to the team on the win! However, it’s important to note that changing a team’s playing style or philosophy, especially for a club like Sundowns, requires careful planning and patience. I’m not sure if we have the time needed for this transition. Players must adapt, as many have developed strengths suited to the previous coach’s approach. We need to gradually adjust to Coach Manqoba’s new demands, and I trust he understands this.
It has been challenging to watch the first half of games, especially when we aim to exploit gaps in our opponents’ defenses against teams that sit back. This often leaves our speedy wingers ineffective, as we aren’t playing on counterattacks. I’ve observed our last three matches, and while there is improvement, implementing this new style will be a challenge, and we shouldn’t expect instant results.
For now, I will support the coach, but we must recognize that some strategies may not suit us. It’s tough to watch games without any creativity, which is what draws many of us to the stadium. I support the process but hope it doesn’t compromise Sundowns’ core philosophy. We’ve come a long way with our playing culture, and I hope we aren’t remembered for undermining our team’s identity.