Mamelodi Sundowns continued their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership as they defeated TTM by three goals to one away from home. This was only the second ever league meeting between the two sides and in the first round of matches, Vhadau Vhadamani managed to grab a point at Loftus Versfeld. The Brazilians were on a mission to ensure this time it was not to be the case.
As is the case in almost all games this season, Bafana Ba Style started the game with a high press and the early pressure almost paid off as early as the fifth minute as Themba Zwane pounced on a loose ball before setting Lebo Maboe up for a shot at goal but his attempt was deflected. Washington Arubi was the busier keeper of the two as he had to make two quick saves in a space of two minutes, one from a free-kick by Lyle Lakay and also from Gaston Sirino.
The home side were the first ones to draw first blood as they scored against the run of play through a set-piece taken by Thabo Mnyamane and finished off by Thembisani Nevhulamba.
Masandawana kept hold of possession whilst looking for the equaliser, Zwane thought he had the better of Arubi but his shot just missed the crossbar. Mosa Lebusa played a pass that eliminated the visitor’s defence, Morena complimented the pass with a great touch but his finishing let him down as his effort was saved for a corner. Mnyamane drew a great point-blank save from Denis Onyango.
On the stroke of halftime, Rushine De Reuck saw his effort saved on the line by the keeper. The never say die attitude from Bafana Ba Style showed once again as they grabbed the equaliser with the last touch of the half after a great header by Rivaldo Coetzee, who scored his first goal for the club.
Sirino had an opportunity to grab the lead after a great defence-splitting pass by Maboe but the Uruguayan looped the ball over an oncoming keeper and Nonyane had to clear off the line. Mshishi was fouled in the box and the spot-kick was taken by Sirino and he missed the chance to take the lead. A few minutes later Sphelele Mkhulise was on hand to give Masandawana the lead as he connected a well-placed cross from Lyle Lakay to make it 2-1.
Sibusiso Vilakazi made his way to the field from the bench after an injury layoff and after only ten minutes on the pitch he scored the third of the day to seal off a great game and give Masandawana all three points.
How we lined up:Onyango, Morena, De Reuck, Lebusa, Lakay, Coetzee, Mkhulise (Modiba 88′),Maboe (Vilakazi’),Sirino (Mkhuma 79′),Zwane(Maluleka 79′),Shalulile(Onyango 88′)
Subs:Goss, Onyango, Modiba, Vilakazi, Mudau, Maluleka, Kekana, Affonso, Mkhuma
I’m appealing to our Wisemen to start Zwane and Sirino on the bench in our next games,those two are killing us in terms of punishing our opponents, they are too casual and I don’t know maybe nowadays are played on striking position whereas we have strikers, other teams will punish us if we continue like this even Onyango is also casual he took a long time just to kick a ball and a quick player will catch him oneday mark my words.
I was anticipating to see Goss as he played well last week in Sudan not our over confidence Onyango,lastly pls Morena practice shooting accurately you are costing us big time,nice win after Zwane and Sirino were substituted.
I agree with you member! Serino and Zwane ate too casual! They need to be benched so that they learn that they are other players who can play in those positions! They are not convincing at all! The knockout phase in the CCL is going to be very tough! We need players who can up the tempo and fight for a result!
I’m glad to find that I’m not the only one who sees that Sirino is way too casual, Zwane included. They are our 2 best players but…. Sirino seems not to show any care even when he makes a mistake. I’m glad Manqoba did touch on complacency after the game.
what I see from Themba Zwane, He is passing too much instead of shooting the ball to the goal. If he can stop that he will be back at his best. Gaston is selfish sometimes, he does not pass the ball on time. people these are our best players. Zwane shoot, Gaston stop being selfish. We must not let them down. Every player has this situation in his playing career.