Mamelodi Sundowns started their CAF Champions League campaign in fine style by thrashing La Passe 7-0 on Sunday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The Brazilians got off to a good start in their opening continental clash to claim the advantage going into the second leg, Grant Kekana made an instant impression early in the opening minute of the clash, the sassy center half opened the scoring lines in 55 seconds of play time.
A capacity crowd were treated to five goals in the first half, courtesy of an own goal, a brace from Gaston Sirino and one each for Aubrey Modiba, and Kekana. Masandawana’s performance was accommodated by their clinical finishing and clean sheet. Veteran goalie Denis Onyango ensured it was a wonderful afternoon’s work for Bafana Ba Style after making his first appearance in the new season for the Champion side.
It was a cheerful atmosphere in Pretoria, with the day’s activities having begun as early as 13H00 with kids under the age of 12 and under being treated to free entry at the stadium. La Passe only increased their intensity after the opening 20 minutes as they pulled away in attack, however their efforts were met with an unshakable defense by The Brazilians. Downs continued to run riot and nearly found the net heading into the first half break as the visitors struggled to pull one back.
The scoring began in the first minute of replay with Sphelele Mkhulise poking the ball into the back of the net, before being ruled out for offside. Masandawana made changes to their line up after 50 minutes of play, defender Rushine De Reuck exchanged places with Bongani Zungu, meanwhile Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena made their way off for Cassius Mailula, Sipho Mbule and Thapelo Morena.
The Tshwane giants continued with their dominate display and extended the lead swiftly to 6-0 with a goal from Mbule, scoring his first goal for the club. After edging the ball into the box, Mailula’s low cross was finished off by Mkhulise who simply tucked the chance away. After giving the supporters their first glimpse of their CAF Champions League preparations, La Passe had completely lost their heads.
The Brazilians wrapped up their first leg of the second preliminary round with a 68% ball possession and seven goals at the back of the net to burry their visitors from Seychelles. The next encounter between the two sides will be played on Friday, 14 October at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, kick off is at 17h30.
This is how we lined up: D. Onyango ©, A. Modiba, K. Mudau (53′ Morena), G. Kekana (63′ Lebusa), R. De Reuck (53′ Zungu), M. Mvala, S. Mkhulise, T. Mokoena (53′ Mbule), T. Zwane (53′ Mailula), M. Allende, G. Sirino
Subs: K. Mweene, T. Morena, S. Mbule, C. Mailula, M. Lebusa, B. Zungu, G. Motupa, N. Maema, T. Kutumela
We were playing the fishermen indeed, football part-timers. When I saw their goalkeeper I knew these can’t be professional footballers. If it was the Sundowns that I fell in love with, those fishermen would’ve got the Powerline score. But I was highly impressed with Bongani Zungu, his long range passes in particular is what we’ve been lacking. He just need to get his match fitness, and Andile Jali can go sit in the stands. Sipho Mbule is another player who need to take his footballing career seriously, the boy has talent in abundance, but I think he lacks discipline. He reminds me of Manqoba Ngwenya, gifted but lazy and never really took his career seriously. Otherwise there’s nothing much to write home about regarding the game. I’m just worried that this season we might not even get into the knockout stages. I’m tempted to say that we’re just adding numbers
Tie settled in the first leg… Very good. Good win. One or two worries ; Sirino lacks discipline… Does the funniest things at times and very lackadaisical… Coaches need to speak to him… He’s an excellent player, Allende needs to be careful of overplay… You can’t try to pass the ball when you on the penalty spot when only the keeper to beat. Perhaps the game was too easy that’s why players lacked that discipline. As i said before, Zwane can’t shoot to save the world. He’s very good at interplay. We can’t ask for more.. Good win… Shout out to De Reuk and Modiba… De Reuk is beyond this league.
Thanks guys for the win. We are behind you all the way. Good to see Mkhulise getting deserved minutes
How you guys wish the 2nd leg could be…?
I’ve got a feeling that Zungu will start the second leg of this CCL but I’m disappointed by Sipho Mbule’s fatness.Thats part of ill discipline to have so many kilos in the middle of the season, in all Mbule is not prepared to play the whole game.Next game let us see Gift Motopa on the
starting line up.This thing of saying lets respect the game is just a cheap talk to continue this favoritism of fielding certain individuals no matter what.Cassius Mailula is a rare gem that is raising up his hand saying I’m available select me.But in all congratulations to the coaches,the players and everyone involved with Sundowns its just a formality in the second leg,mind you we were playing away from home yesterday 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣