Peter Shalulile was the main man when Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Stellenbosch FC on Saturday afternoon in a 1-0 fest at Athlone Stadium. The only goal of the match saw the Namibian forward breaking the ultimate PSL record of the all-time top goal scorer with 130 goals.
The visitors kicked off the proceedings with a strong command, dominating the exchange and creating more chances. It is, however, the hosts that pulled the first threat of the match in the 12th minute. It came in the form of a volley which slightly missed the target.
Just before the half-hour mark, Shalulile forced a save out of the goalkeeper, which was followed by him rattling the crossbar through a powerful header. Tashreeq Matthews also almost found the opener for Downs inside the box, but his effort went wide.
On the brink of halftime, Shalulile was brought down inside the area, earning his side a penalty kick. With his calmness, he took the shot from the spot, which found the back of the net, to see Downs head to the break with the upper hand.
Upon the return of play, the hosts came on full clutch, looking to find an equaliser, but the Downs rearguard kept an organised high line.
Kutlwano Letlhaku almost doubled the lead for the defending champions after he dispossessed a defender on the right flank. His powerful shot, however, sailed over the bar.
Stellenbosch continued to seek that equaliser in the final stages of the match, but the Bafana Ba Style defence held on and saw themselves walking away with all points on offer.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Modiba, Cupido, Khoza, Morena, Aubaas, Allende, Matthews, Letlhaku, Sales.
Subs: Pieterse, Basadien, Mdunyelwa, Lunga, Lebusa, Adams, Mokoena, Rayners, Mothiba.
Eish,i don’t know what to say,flashes of good performance in the 1st half and dilapidated 2nd half.The coach is confused he doesn’t have plan to change the situation.I really think the new broom ca sweep clean during this FIFA break.
Exactly member. If Cardoso doesn’t improve the team after this FIFA break, then I think he should pack and go. Al Ahly has already shown us the way, and we should follow suit. There’s no creativity at all in our midfield and there’s no sign of improvement at all. I think by trimming the squad, the coach has completely killed the competition. Certain players know for sure that they’ll always be in the starting 11 no matter how they perform. I wonder what Mkhulise has done to this coach, but then again, our fringe players don’t show any hunger when given that rare opportunity. I was looking forward to seeing Aubaas play the game of his life to keep his position, but it was the same old Aubaas who was just kicking other players and creating unnecessary fouls in dangerous areas. I’m hopping our new signee (Ntsabeleng) would be given an opportunity, unlike Kgodisang. One thing I can tell is that the coach doesn’t seem to know what he’s doing. He’s been there for almost a year, but the team’s performance is not improving at all. I’m still so angry that Manqoba was fired so prematurely, and the team was playing so well under him with so much pace.
Our Agents are too greedy,Kutlwano is still raw he needs to stay in SA for the next coming two years unlike being sold to an overseas team and end up sitting in grandstand.
I mean the the boy lacks just a little bit of basics yena he’s not that bad hope our coaches can guide him better than he is at the moment.
Nice win and let’s hope after Bafana games will get our momentum even the new players will gel with the team nicely and start where we left off last season.
Our Management or technical staff are disgusting,unprofessional and lack vision,how come they buy a player and immediately loan him whereas they know very well Downs always have a tight schedule.
Farpost just reported that we bought Aphelele Teto and loaned him to Tuks recently now the very same coach who cries about injuries to some few players is busy trimming the squad even Khulumani Ndamane we were told they will buy and loan him back to Galaxy whereas we don’t have a left footed centerback.
Eish this team of ours is really disappointing us but we don’t have a choice we can’t cross the floor because our blood is yellow till death do us apart.