Mamelodi Sundowns continued their winning start to the league campaign as their recorded an 8th straight win at home against Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday evening at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Goals from Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba and Siyabonga Mabena would be enough to overturn an early deficit and see Bafana Ba Style continue the early season trend of winning all of their domestic league matches.
Rain and lightning in surrounding areas meant there was a delay to kick off, with the match delayed by 30 minutes before conditions were suitable for action to get underway.
Masandawana were put in a tricky situation early on as they conceded only their third league goal of the season in the 14th minute when Devin Titus tapped home a rebounded effort from close range. The goal would mark the first time Downs have gone behind in the league this season, seeing their resolve tested in tricky midweek conditions.
Downs looked to work their way back into the game immediately after conceding, with midfielders Bongani Zungu and Junior Mendieta pulling the strings in the middle of the park, however both of their through ball attempts were marginally ahead of their targets in the box.
Defender Grant Kekana came closest with an effort from a corner that flashed across the face of goal as he escaped his man in the box. Kekana’s chance would prove to be an ominous warning as he would pop up a few minutes later to level matters, cleverly lobbing Sage Stephens in the Stellenbosch goal.
The pressure from the home side was unrelenting and they were duly rewarded five minutes after equalizing when Aubrey Modiba converted his free kick attempt, leaving the keeper with no chance and giving Ka Bo Yellow the lead.
The half would end with The Brazilians successfully overturning the deficit and leading by a solitary goal.
The second half with Downs creating more chances, with winger Thapelo Maseko looking threatening down the left hand side, having two of his shots blocked. Thapelo Morena and Modiba both came close to extending the lead as they both saw their efforts flash over the crossbar.
Coach Rulani rang the changes with 20 minutes to go in the game, introducing Lebohang Maboe and Sphelele Mkhulise to the fray, with the latter making his return to action after a lengthy injury layoff. Khuliso Mudau and youngster Siyabonga Mabena would make their way on to the pitch shortly after as Masandawana looked to seal the winning result.
It would get better for the team in Yellow on the stroke of full time as 16 year old Siyabonga Mabena scored his first ever Mamelodi Sundowns goal, tucking away a simple chance after incredibly unselfish play from striker and captain on the evening – Peter Shalulile.
The win would be Sundowns’ 8th consecutive in the league, marking their best ever start to a league campaign, amassing 24 points from a total of 24 and maintain their position at the summit of the table.
Up next, a quick turnaround for the team as they return to the training ground to prepare for their second leg qualifier in the CAF Champions League against Bumamuru FC this weekend.
How We Lined Up: Pieterse, Kekana, Coetzee, Mvala, Lebusa, Modiba, Zungu, Mendieta, Morena, Maseko, Shalulile ©
Subs: D. Onyango, B Onyango, Mashego, Mudau, Mabena, Ngobeni, Mkhulise, Maboe, Ribeiro, Zwane
Well done coach. It was so refreshing to see new players in the team, and they didn’t really disappoint. We need all of those players so that they can push the regulars. I told myself before the game that if Teboho Mokoena was in the starting eleven I wasn’t even going to bother to watch the match. Even when we went a goal down I wasn’t bothered, because I knew Stellies were going to run out of steam, based on what I saw in their game against Pirates. Big Up to Riva, he’s improving with each and every game, but I still maintain he’s best suited for that midfield holding position.
Morning and Congratulations Yellow Nation. We keep on going.,Glad that finally a game was played.
The first 3o minutes was so ugly. We only had 2 players on the field ZUNGU AND RIVALDO.I don’t understand why cause stellies were so good maybe they are used in that kind of weather.
Secondly Technical Team must learn to react earlier when some of the players have off day.
I am not hammering any one but one of our players on the wing was off duty.
Technical Team must protect him against supporters not to hope that He will come with something special is new in the team unlike Shasha.Than the Coach He can prove a point against those who are unhappy with the performance of the player. When is not delivering on many occasions or is about money been paid that demands a player must be on the field even if is struggling. No offense love all our players .
But we have alot of players who are hungry to deliver for example Maboe Mabena many more.
Please let us fill up Stadiu
Well done,happy we the way we applied ourselves on the night.The whole team played well. I watched the game 10 minutes late and i was surprised and impressed to see both Zungu and Pieterse to go 85 minutes without losing the ball and only passing the ball to team mate.Modiba is best where he played our defense was solid.Shaulile did what we failed to do the whole season,passing the ball to a player who is in the right position to score.In our previous games we were shooting or forcing to pass the ball to Shaulile even when other players were in a good position to score.On Teboho Mokoena i have a different opinion i think he is the best midfielder in the country,he can break attack and initiate our attack,he works his socks off for the duration of the game.WELL TO DONE TO THE ENTIRE YELLOW NATION FAMILY.
A very good win….I rate this win very high…conditions weren’t conducive to the way we play….massive contribution from almost everyone…very very good….Modiba deserves his man of the match….Maboe had the great cameo in the few minutes he played….congrats to Mabena….honestly very hard game…very good win….congrats to the club on the record
Good game of football all around. It was nice to see the team coming back from a goal down to win the match!! Guys what about our team signing this Davin Titus boy?? I like his skill energy and he is still very young!!