Second half goals from Keabetswe Ramotsei and Thando Buthelezi have helped the Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team maintain their position in the DStv Diski Challenge tally, following a 2-0 victory over the Chippa United Reserves on a gloomy Sunday morning at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The Brazilians set about their counterparts early and they would have been disappointed to not have tested the visitors in the first few minutes of the encounter. Should the first real chance of the game had materialised, that would have been one of the best assists this season which came directly from the Masandawana goalkeeper, Fanie Raluzingana, as he delivered the ball to the Downs striker who drove it to the box but the shot went over the bar slightly. That chance might have boosted their morale because what followed were numerous chances from the home side.
Siyabonga Mabena, who made important contributions in this encounter, created three chances in the first half and all of them were of great threat to the Gqeberha-based side. Two of the three chances were similar as Mabena tried to shoot from a tight angle. While both chances could have crossed the goal line, the Chippa United goalkeeper was sent diving to clear the two balls away with the tip of his fingers.
Another strike that would have caught the visitors off guard, should it had materialised, was the long-range shot fired by defender, Thabo Nkabinde. This shot saw the goalkeeper at work as he sprung up to smack the almost goal over the bar to deny Masandawana an opener.
The young Chili Boys almost broke the deadlock in the closing minutes of the first stanza after a scramble in the box as the hosts tried to clear the ball away. They managed to find the ball and tried to hit the tongue of the net but luckily it missed the net and went high over the crossbar.
Bafana Ba Style’s efforts finally took shape in the second half following a few more dangerous chances from Mabena, Onele Rulwana and Kutlwano Letlhaku. The opener eventually came on the 73rd minute through Ramotsei who was assisted by a pacy Letlhaku that managed to move past the keeper to set up his teammate. This was Ramotsei’s tenth goal of the season, placing him as the team’s top goal scorer.
Five minutes and two missed chances later, an extraordinary shot from Buthelezi – who received the ball from Mabena – which caused a loud applause in the stadium, saw coach Themba’s men extend their lead. The Brazilians would have loved to score more goals as they continued to create a few more chances before ethe final whistle but the two goals were enough to see them collect all points on offer.
How they lined up: Raludzingana, Mampane, Nkabinde, Mohanwe, Norawana, Nkosi ©, Khoza, Buthelezi, Letlhaku, Mabena, Rulwana.
Substitutes: Shabangu, Ndebele, Mthembu, Ramotsei, Masisi.
Wow Editor wooow!!!!!Ramotsei and Buthelezi?After Sundowns senior team played over the weekend and advanced 2 the semis of the Champions league u r just updating us only about MDC? I rest my case have a good sleep in Dreamland.