Mamelodi Sundowns moved one step closer to retaining their Absa Premiership title following a 2-0 win over Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night, thanks to goals from captain Hlompho Kekana and Themba Zwane.
The energy levels were back up after the disappointment of being knocked out of the CAF Champions League semi-finals by Wydad Casablanca of Morocco over the weekend and the Brazilians wrapped up the Arrows game pretty quickly.
As early as the second minute, Downs had taken the lead through skipper Kekana, who was set up beautifully by Zwane. It was a well constructed move that set the tone for the home side to go for all three points.
Then just three minutes later the tally doubled when Gaston Sirino won the ball in the opposition half and immediately contributed with yet another assist, setting up ‘Mshishi’ for the second goal of the night.
Downs fans probably knew then that they would move to the top of the table – above Orlando Pirates by two points with only a single game outstanding before the championship race is decided on Saturday. Masandawana could have added to their two goals throughout the match, but the visitors seemed to find their feet again with a slightly more organised defensive block than in the opening minutes.
Goal scoring chances for Arrows were very limited, but they did come close in the first half when defender Musa Bilankulu skied his shot over the bar when he had goalkeeper Denis Onyango at his mercy.
Soon after, left back Tebogo Langerman went on one his surging runs forward and was almost rewarded for it. But the defender got his attempt past Arrows goalkeeper Max Mbaeva, but couldn’t beat the post.
Very little changed in the second, with Downs still dominant and will look to repeat the same performance away to Free State Stars at Goble Park on Saturday afternoon. A win for coach Pitso Mosimane’s men will guarantee them the title, allowing them to stretch their record to an unbelievable ninth championship in the Premier Soccer League era. Downs’ result against Arrows on Tuesday confirmed they will once again return to the CAF Champions League next season.
How Downs lined up:
Onyango, Langerman, Morena, Arendse, Nascimento, Kekana, Zwane, Coetzee, Vilakazi, Sirino, Maboe.
Subs: Pieterse, Lakay, Mabunda, Ngcongca, Mahlambi, Brockie, Soumahoro
One step closer indeed. Let’s finish the job off on Saturday. Let’s concentrate on our game and forget the PSL with their issues, even though they’re trying by all means to destabilize us
Update the log please
Please read this:
“The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee met to deliberate on the matter involving Platinum Stars and Siyabonga Zulu,” read a statement issued by the PSL.
“Platinum Stars FC were found guilty of fielding Siyabonga Zulu in a match on 08 August 2015 against Mamelodi Sundowns under circumstances where the club knew that he was not eligible to play for Platinum Stars.
“The club was also found guilty of failing to report misconduct on the part of Chippa United FC to the League. The misconduct consisted of the failure by Chippa United FC to clear the player Siyabonga Zulu back to the club from which they had loaned him.
“Platinum Stars were sentenced to a fine of R50 000. In addition, one League point was deducted from the club with immediate effect and the club was ordered to pay the costs of the sittings,” concluded the statement. This was in April 2016.”
The interesting thing here is that Sundowns was never awarded 3 points, this was after Platinum Stars had been found guilty of fielding an unregistered player. They had to pay R50k and the player did not pay anything whatsoever.
Sundowns was initially ordered to pay R250k and Arendse R50k as if that’s not enough, now Sundowns must be docked a point, pay a fine, Arendse to pay a fine and be banned for 2 matches and then give full three points to Wits. Sundowns did not field a player that was not duly registered with the league as a Sundowns player. The wording of the charge is incorrect, it can’t be “ineligible” but “not included in the team sheet submitted an hour before the match start match” PSL shouldnt be run like its a one team body.
Congratulations ! We just have to focus in our agenda . Tricks wont help. We just have to continue and win . Winning games is the only way to go.
that story confusing game were draw 1ea if Sundown were guilty why 3 point to diduct instead 1 why Arendse been been punish he was order by his employer to player nothing wrong to him Khoza his staff are above the law thats unbelieveble before case sitting he said got nothing to do just law take place after all now ovet ruling the law hayi kona Dr Khoza with your connection behonest
I wish Sundowns win the game on saturday, i wish my team to succed agsinst this appeal
brought by Psl, as 4
Pitso you are the most succesful coach
the black african but
rules must be obeyed
If we do not win against ths appeal
We will end the season empty handed
an insult in the team of sundowns calibre
Plz my players win this game convincingly
5/10/2019 sundownsfc.co.za does it again! Quite a interesting site and a thought-provoking post. Nice work!
I more or less share your opinion on this subject and look forward to additional posts and comments here at sundownsfc.co.za. Thanks!
sundownsfc.co.za does it yet again! Quite a thoughtful site and a thought-provoking article. Nice work!
sundownsfc.co.za does it again! Quite a thoughtful site and a good post. Keep up the good work!
5/11/2019 sundownsfc.co.za does it again! Quite a informative site and a thought-provoking post. Thanks!
Love the site– extremely user-friendly and lots to consider!